The BBC has confirmed that next season’s Match of the Day will be headlined by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with the three-person team replacing the outgoing Gary Lineker.
The broadcaster shared a post on social media confirming the news, which was announced exclusively by Mail Sport last month.
‘New template for next season! (signature emoji)’ shared the corporation.
“We are delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share the Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”
Cates shared a note of excitement following the announcement, saying she couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the role.
“I can’t wait to get started,” the presenter said in a statement shared by the BBC. “I keep thinking about that moment when I’ll be sitting in the chair and the music will start, and I can’t wait for it to happen.”
Kelly Cates (left) will leave Sky Sports to join the BBC as she prepares to join a three-person hosting team with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for next season’s Match of the Day.
Cates’ departure is believed to be keenly felt after becoming one of Sky Sports’ experienced Premier League hosts.
Both Chapman and Logan have long-standing associations with the national broadcaster.
It is believed Cates, Chapman and Logan will split the Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 presenting duties between the three of them as they begin their new role following Lineker’s departure.
Sky bosses are said to be deeply saddened by the loss of the 49-year-old, who has been a regular feature on their live Premier League coverage.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the BBC’s flagship show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring down the curtain after 26 years. The 63-year-old will also leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Executives, led by new sporting director Alex Kay-Jelski, are understood to want to take the show in a new direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering bringing a news element to the show.
Logan, Cates and Chapman are believed to be close and are happy to share the role between the three of them.
In Chapman’s case, this will also allow him to continue his BBC radio commitments, which is believed to have been a big boost in securing him the lead role.
Chapman hinted at the appointment just two days ago when appearing on his podcast with Logan, The Sports Agents this week.
Cates will briefly take over hosting duties from Logan while the podcaster takes a vacation, and the trio appeared on air to tease the temporary change and appear to hint at upcoming news.
The couple already know each other closely and work together on The Sports Agents podcast.
‘Depending on what happens in the next few weeks, this could be my life for the next three or four years, who knows?’ Chapman said.
Logan responded, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” before laughter could be heard off-camera.
Lineker confirmed in November his departure from the program he has directed for more than two decades after months of speculation.
The veteran broadcaster will continue to present FA Cup coverage in 2025-26 and will cover the World Cup next year, but said it was the “right time” to leave the role for which he has become best known.
Lineker called the experience “an absolute joy and a privilege” in his first statement since his departure was confirmed, but stressed that “all things must come to an end.”
“It came at a point where actually the BBC and Match Of The Day had the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from the next season, so I felt if I did another year it would be a bit strange.” .’
Gary Lineker confirmed his departure from the long-running show in November last year.
The veteran broadcaster has appeared on Match of the Day for more than two decades (pictured with Alan Hansen in 2002).
The 63-year-old former England striker later added: “I left my football career when I felt the time was right.” I feel like now is the right time.
“I think in the next contract they are looking to make Match of the Day slightly different, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take over.”
Cates, daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has worked for the BBC radio arm, presenting Radio 5 Live’s 606 show alongside former Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, presenting the weekday sports show 5 Live Sport and covering multiple World Cups, including the 2022 final.
Logan also has long-standing links with national broadcasting, first presenting for the channel’s FA Cup coverage in 2007 and fronting major events such as the Olympic Games, London Marathon and Women’s Six Nations.