The BBC has confirmed that subsequent season’s Match of the Day can be fronted by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan, with the three-person staff changing the outgoing Gary Lineker.
The broadcaster shared a social media submit confirming the information, which was first introduced solely by Mail Sport final month.
‘New squad for subsequent season! (signing emoji)’ the company shared.
‘We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.’
Cates shared a observe of pleasure upon the announcement, saying that she could not wait to sink her tooth into the function.
‘I can not wait to get began,’ the presenter stated in a press release shared by the BBC. ‘I maintain fascinated by that second the place I will be sitting within the chair and the music begins, and I can not look ahead to it to occur.’
Kelly Cates (left) will depart Sky Sports activities to affix the BBC as she prepares to affix a three-person internet hosting staff with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for subsequent season’s Match of the Day
Cates’ departure is regarded as deeply felt after turning into certainly one of Sky Sports activities’ seasoned Premier League hosts
Each Chapman and Logan have long-running associations with the nationwide broadcaster
Cates, Chapman, and Logan are regarded as set to separate presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 between the three of them after they start their new function upon Lineker’s departure.
Bosses at Sky are stated to be deeply saddened on the lack of the 49-year-old, who has been a daily fixture on their reside Premier League protection.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC present from Des Lynam in 1999, will convey the curtain down after 26 years. The 63-year-old can also be set to depart the BBC fully after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.
It’s understood executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, wish to transfer the present in a recent course and, as Mail Sport revealed, are contemplating bringing a information component to the present.
Logan, Cates, and Chapman are regarded as shut, and pleased with sharing the function between the three of them.
In Chapman’s case, this will even permit him to proceed his BBC radio commitments, which is believed to have been a significant enhance to securing him for the showpiece function.
Chapman hinted on the appointment simply two days in the past when showing on his podcast with Logan, The Sports activities Brokers this week.
Cates is about to briefly take over internet hosting duties from Logan whereas the podcaster takes a vacation, and the trio appeared on air to tease the short-term changeover – and seem to trace at forthcoming information.
The pair already know one another carefully, working collectively on The Sports activities Brokers podcast
‘Relying on what occurs over the approaching weeks, this may very well be my life for the following three or 4 years, who is aware of?’ Chapman stated.
Logan replied: ‘I do not know what you are speaking about’ – earlier than laughter may very well be heard off digital camera.
Lineker confirmed his departure from the programme he has helmed for over 20 years in November after months of hypothesis.
The veteran broadcaster will proceed to current protection of the FA Cup in 2025-26 and canopy the World Cup subsequent 12 months, however stated that it was the ‘proper time’ to depart the function that he has turn into best-known for.
Lineker referred to as the expertise ‘an absolute pleasure and privilege’ in his first assertion since his departure was confirmed, however confused that ‘all issues have to return to an finish.’
‘It got here at a degree the place actually the BBC and Match Of The Day, they have the rights for one more three years, the cycle begins from subsequent season so it felt like if I simply do another 12 months it will be a bit bizarre.’
Gary Lineker confirmed his exit from the long-running programme in November of final 12 months
The veteran broadcaster has appeared on Match of the Day for over 20 years (pictured with Alan Hansen in 2002)
The 63-year-old former England striker later added: ‘I bowed out in my soccer profession after I felt it was the fitting time. I really feel that is now the fitting time.
‘I believe the following contract they’re seeking to do Match Of The Day barely in another way, so I believe it is smart for another person to take the helm.’
Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has labored for the BBC’s radio arm, presenting Radio 5 Reside’s 606 programme alongside former Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, internet hosting midweek sports activities present 5 Reside Sport, and masking a number of World Cups, together with the 2022 last.
Logan additionally has long-running ties with the nationwide broadcast, first presenting for the channel’s FA Cup protection in 2007, and fronting main occasions such because the Olympics, the London Marathon, and the Ladies’s Six Nations.
