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The BBC has announced a new chapter for its iconic football highlights programme, Match of the Day, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan set to take over presenting duties from the start of next season. This marks the first time in the show’s 60-year history that hosting duties will be shared among multiple presenters.
The trio will replace Gary Lineker, who has been at the helm since 1999. Lineker is set to step down at the end of the current season but will remain part of the BBC team, anchoring coverage of the FA Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A New Era for Match of the Day
The decision to bring in Cates, Chapman, and Logan reflects the BBC’s ambition to modernise its flagship programme while respecting its storied traditions. The three presenters will rotate across Match of the Day, Match of the Day 2, and Champions League highlights, providing a fresh and dynamic approach to the weekly coverage.
Kelly Cates, who is also a familiar face on Sky Sports, expressed her excitement about stepping into such an iconic role:
“Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment. I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic. I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years, and to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans.”
Gabby Logan, who has been a prominent presence in the BBC’s rugby and athletics coverage, reflected on the responsibility that comes with hosting a programme of Match of the Day’s stature:
“It’s always a real moment because it has such history. It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TV has changed so much. There’s an enormous responsibility to continue evolving the show while respecting its traditions. People want to see the goals, the incidents, and the moments everyone’s talking about. The core is always the football.”
For Mark Chapman, who has long been a key figure on BBC Radio 5 Live, the focus is on teamwork and collaboration:
“This isn’t about the three of us. It’s about the three of us plus our pundits, editors, analysts, stats people, production team, radio, and online departments. This is about all of us working together to deliver the best possible experience for the fans.”
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Gary Lineker’s Continued Involvement
While stepping down as host of Match of the Day, Gary Lineker will remain a key part of the BBC’s sports coverage. He has signed a contract extension that will see him continue to present the FA Cup and World Cup. Lineker’s 26-year run as the face of Match of the Day makes him one of the longest-serving presenters in the programme’s history.
Match of the Day’s Legacy and Future
Match of the Day, which first aired in August 1964, is one of the longest-running programmes in British television history. Despite the evolution of football broadcasting and the rise of on-demand viewing, the programme remains a cornerstone of BBC Sport. The show has adapted over the years, combining its focus on highlights with in-depth analysis, expert punditry, and, more recently, digital engagement.
The latest appointment comes during a transformative period for football broadcasting. The Premier League’s broadcast deal, running from the 2025-26 season to 2028-29, ensures that the BBC retains highlights rights for all 380 matches per season, safeguarding Match of the Day’s place in the national conversation.
What Fans Can Expect
With Cates, Chapman, and Logan at the helm, viewers can expect:
• Enhanced storytelling: Each presenter brings a unique style, with Cates’ sharp analysis, Logan’s versatility, and Chapman’s extensive knowledge of the game.
• Improved digital integration: As Cates noted, embracing the digital era will be a priority, ensuring Match of the Day remains relevant in a fast-changing media landscape.
• Continued focus on football: Despite the changes, the programme will retain its core purpose — delivering the highlights and moments that matter most to fans.
A Milestone Moment for Women in Sports Broadcasting
The inclusion of Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan marks a significant step forward for representation in sports media. Both women have long been trailblazers in their field, and their appointments reflect the growing diversity and inclusivity within football broadcasting.
The new hosting team will debut at the start of the 2025-26 season, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for Match of the Day. Fans can look forward to a blend of innovation and tradition, ensuring the programme continues to be a staple of football coverage for years to come.
