The BBC has officially confirmed a new three-member hosting team to take the reins of Match of the Day at the end of the current season.
In a significant shake-up, Kelly Cates, daughter of legendary Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish, will leave Sky Sports to join forces with veteran commentators Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. This dynamic trio has a wealth of experience in sports commentary and will alternate their roles on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.
Cates already plays a key role on Radio 5 Live, while Chapman is well known to fans as the face of Match of the Day 2. Their arrival promises to enrich the viewing experience for Football fans.
In addition to their hosting duties, the trio will front the BBC’s new European highlights segment, called Match of the Day Champions League, which aims to elevate the channel’s football coverage.
Read more:
BBC appoints new presenters for Match of the Day after Gary Lineker’s departure
Additionally, the BBC has secured an expanded digital rights package for the Premier League covering the 2025-26 to 2028-29 seasons, a move aimed at enhancing the channel’s football coverage while preserving the iconic Match of the Day programs and Football Focus.
After 26 glorious years in the spotlight, Lineker will bid farewell as the show welcomes its new hosts, marking the sixth change of lead presenters in the show’s 61-year legacy.
Cates expressed her excitement, saying: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I know it’s going to be an incredible time. Having worked with many of the experts before, I can’t wait to start this new chapter with them .
Read more:
Everything about Pep Guardiola: his age, his wife and children, where he comes from, the teams, and his salary
“I’ve known Gabby and Mark for years, and bringing it all together while embracing the digital landscape seems like a complete football package for fans, which is hugely exciting.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s new director of sport, added: “We have no doubt that viewers will welcome this trio of talented commentators at the forefront of our football programming next season. They are fantastic in their roles, and Match of the Day fans can be reassured that key football topics will be thoroughly dissected.
“Gary delivered an exceptional 26 years on Match of the Day and he will certainly be missed. However, viewers can still see him in some of football’s most exciting tournaments on their screens.
“Beyond Match of the Day, we have a host of exciting new shows, new voices and surprises ready for the 2025/26 season across audio, video and digital platforms, and we can’t wait to unveil them later This year is indeed an exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
