Mark Chapman insists there is “absolutely no competition” between himself, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were today confirmed as the new hosts of Match of the Day.
Although the line-up had been widely expected, there were initially suggestions Chapman was not keen on sharing the role and wanted it to be a solo gig.
However, the BBC today announced the widely predicted line-up to take over from Gary Lineker, who has been sole host for the past 25 years, at the start of the next Premier League season in August.
New squad for next season! ✍️
We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
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Not just Saturday night duties
In addition to the flagship Saturday night slot, they will also share Match of the Day 2 duties and the Champions League highlights show on a Wednesday night.
Chapman, who has presented MOTD2 as well as numerous shows on BBC 5 Live for many years, said: “There’s something quite nice about the three of us having all worked together for so many years, all at a similar age, to have this opportunity together, as three friends.
“There’s absolutely no competition between the three of us.
“Me and Kelly were doing shows together 20 years ago and still do radio shows together on 5 Live.
“But I’m excited to be working with two presenters 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 to keep job at Sky Sports
Cates, the daughter of former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, will retain her role with Sky Sports as well as taking up the new opportunity.
She said: “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, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”
Logan added: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such history. It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TV’s changed so much.
“There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day. People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”
Gary has done a phenomenal job – Kay-Jelski
BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said: “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 MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed.
“Gary has done a phenomenal job at Match of the Day for the last 25 years, he’ll be missed greatly and we all still get to enjoy him on our screens across some of football’s greatest tournaments.
“Outside of Match of the Day we’ve got some great new shows, voices and surprises lined up for the 2025-26 season across audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.
“It’s a truly exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
