Chapman, Cates and Logan confirmed as Lineker’s replacements

Mark Chapman insists there is “absolutely no competition” between himself, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were confirmed as the new Match of the Day hosts today.

Although the line-up was expected, there were initially suggestions that Chapman was not keen on sharing the role and wanted it to be a solo act.

However, the BBC today announced the widely predicted line-up to take over from Gary Lineker, who has been sole presenter for the past 25 years, at the start of the next Premier League season in August.

New lineup for the next season! ✍️

We are delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025 to 2026.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025

Not just Saturday night duties

In addition to the main Saturday night slot, they will also share matchday 2 duties and Wednesday night’s Champions League highlights.

Chapman, who has presented MOTD2 for years as well as a number of shows on BBC 5 Live, said: “There’s something lovely about all of us working together for so many years, all at the same age, to have this opportunity together, as three friends.

“There is absolutely no competition between the three of us.

“Me and Kelly did shows together 20 years ago and we still work together on Radio 5 Live.

“But I’m excited to work with two hosts who are team players and just want the best for the show, the people who work on it and the viewers.”

#BBCFootball #MOTD pic.twitter.com/9K59gFBCUy

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025

Cates will keep his job at Sky Sports

Cates, the daughter of former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, will retain her role at Sky Sports and take up the new opportunity.

She said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know it’s going to be a really amazing moment. I’ve worked with a lot of experts before and they’re all fantastic, so I can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years, so all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for the fans and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

Logan added: “It’s always a great moment (sitting in the chair) because it has such a history. It’s still so relevant to so many people and talked about in an environment where TV has changed so much.

“There is a huge responsibility to ensure that we continue to develop while at the same time respecting the tradition of the Match of the Day. People want to see goals, they want to see incidents, they want to see moments that everyone is talking about, so while we can tinker around the edges, the core is football.”

Gary did a phenomenal job – Kay-Jelski

Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists who will be at the heart of our football coverage next season.

“They are brilliant at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the topics of great football are expertly analysed.

“Gary has done a phenomenal job on Match of the Day for the last 25 years, he will be sorely missed and we can all still enjoy him on our screens at some of football’s biggest tournaments.

“Beyond Match of the Day we have some great new shows, voices and surprises for the 2025-26 season in audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.

“This is a really exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”