Kelly Cates has been confirmed as one of the new lead presenters for the BBC’s flagship football highlights show, Match of the Day (MOTD), alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. Despite her new role, Cates will remain a key figure at Sky Sports, where she presents Friday Night Football and Saturday Night Football.
This announcement follows Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 26 years at the helm of MOTD. Starting next season, Cates, 49, will share presenting duties with Chapman and Logan in what marks a historic moment, as she and Logan will become the first women to hold the MOTD hosting role permanently.
The BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, expressed confidence in the trio, stating, “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season. They’re brilliant at what they do, and Match of the Day viewers can be sure that they will expertly analyse the big football talking points and provide excellent coverage.”
Cates, who also presents BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage, shared her excitement: “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 also known Gabby and Mark really well for years, so bringing it all together feels like a comprehensive football package for fans.”
Chapman, a familiar face on Match of the Day 2 and a regular stand-in for Lineker, will bring his experience to the revamped show. Logan, a seasoned BBC broadcaster, will join Cates in making history as they lead MOTD into a new era.
Kay-Jelski also paid tribute to Lineker, saying, “Gary has done a phenomenal job at Match of the Day for the last 26 years. We’ll miss him greatly, but we’ll still enjoy seeing him on our screens for some of football’s greatest tournaments.”
Lineker, who remains under contract with the BBC until the end of 2026, will continue to present FA Cup coverage and play a significant role in the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup before stepping away from the BBC entirely.
As part of its future plans, the BBC is also gearing up to launch new football shows across audio, video, and digital platforms for the 2025/26 season, promising an exciting evolution for fans.
Cates’ dual roles with the BBC and Sky Sports underscore her versatility and growing prominence in football broadcasting. With this dynamic presenting team, Match of the Day looks set to embrace a fresh chapter while maintaining its legacy as one of the most iconic football shows on television.
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