Gary Lineker‘s Match of the Day replacements reportedly face being paid less than a third of his £1.35million annual salary.
The BBC has confirmed that MOTD will be fronted by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan from next season.
The broadcaster shared a social media post confirming the news, which was first announced exclusively by Mail Sport last month.
And The Telegraph reports that they will all be paid less than Alan Shearer, who was declared as earning between £445,000-£449,999 for the 2023-24 period.
Lineker is the BBC’s highest-paid presenter and bosses wanted to cut costs as well as give the show a fresh make-up.
‘New squad for next season! (signing emoji)’ the corporation shared in the announcement. ‘We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.’
Kelly Cates (left), Mark Chapman (centre), and Gabby Logan (right) will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day hosts, each reportedly earning less than a third of his current salary
Cates’ departure is thought to be deeply felt after becoming one of Sky Sports’ seasoned Premier League hosts
Both Chapman and Logan have long-running associations with the national broadcaster
Alan Shearer, who earned £445,000-£449,999 for the 2023-24 period, will reportedly be paid more than the new hosts
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.’
Logan added: ‘I think what’s interesting is although we’re sharing the role, we won’t actually be working together on Match of the Day. It’s really great to share it because we bring different experiences and different interests within the game.’
And Chapman, who has hosted Match of the Day 2 since 2013, said: ‘People might find this hard to believe but there’s absolutely no competition between the three of us. We’ll do a mix of everything that works for us all as individuals, and all of us are really keen that it’s fair. This isn’t about the three of us, it’s about the three of us plus our pundits, plus our editors, plus our analysts and stats people and production people and radio people and online.’
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.
The pair already know each other closely, working together on The Sports Agents podcast
Logan, Cates, and Chapman are thought to be close, and happy with sharing the role between the three of them.
In Chapman’s case, this will also allow him to continue his BBC radio commitments, which is believed to have been a major boost to securing him for the showpiece role.
Chapman hinted at the appointment just two days ago when appearing on his podcast with Logan, The Sports Agents this week.
Cates is set to briefly take over hosting duties from Logan while the podcaster takes a holiday, and the trio appeared on air to tease the temporary changeover – and appear to hint at forthcoming news.
‘Depending on what happens over the coming weeks, this could be my life for the next three or four years, who knows?’ Chapman said.
Logan replied: ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’ – before laughter could be heard off camera.
Lineker confirmed his departure from the programme he has helmed for over two decades in November after months of speculation.
The veteran broadcaster will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025-26 and cover the World Cup next year, but said that it was the ‘right time’ to leave the role that he has become best-known for.
Gary Lineker confirmed his exit from the long-running programme in November of last year
The veteran broadcaster has appeared on Match of the Day for over two decades (pictured with Alan Hansen in 2002)
Lineker called the experience ‘an absolute joy and privilege’ in his first statement since his departure was confirmed, but stressed that ‘all things have to come to an end.’
‘It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.’
The 63-year-old former England striker later added: ‘I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.
‘I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.’
Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has worked for the BBC’s radio arm, presenting Radio 5 Live’s 606 programme alongside former Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, hosting midweek sports show 5 Live Sport, and covering multiple World Cups, including the 2022 final.
Logan also has long-running ties with the national broadcast, first presenting for the channel’s FA Cup coverage in 2007, and fronting major events such as the Olympics, the London Marathon, and the Women’s Six Nations.