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The BBC has confirmed that next season’s Match of the Day will be fronted by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan, with the three-person team replacing the outgoing Gary Lineker.
The broadcaster shared a social media post confirming the news, which was first announced exclusively by Mail Sport last month.
‘New squad for next season! (signing emoji)’ the corporation 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 note of excitement upon the announcement, saying that she couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the role.
‘I can’t wait to get started,’ the presenter said in a statement shared by the BBC. ‘I keep thinking about that moment where I’ll be sitting in the chair and the music starts, and I can’t wait for it to happen.’
Kelly Cates will leave Sky Sports to join the BBC as she prepares to join a three-person hosting team for next season’s Match of the Day
Cates, Chapman, and Logan are thought to be set to split presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 between the three of them when they begin their new role upon Lineker’s departure.
Bosses at Sky are said to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old, who has been a regular fixture on their live Premier League coverage.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring the curtain down after 26 years. The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.
It is understood executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a fresh direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering bringing a news element to the show.