The BBC’s Match of the Day is set to undergo a significant transformation, with Kelly Cates reportedly poised to replace Gary Lineker as the lead presenter. Cates, currently a key figure in Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, is expected to join a revamped hosting lineup alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for the 2025-26 season.
Lineker, who has been synonymous with Match of the Day since 1999, announced his decision to step down at the end of the current season. He will remain with the BBC through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but his departure marks the first hosting change in 25 years for the iconic Premier League highlights program.
Table of Contents
- A New Era for Match of the Day
- A Digital-Focused Transformation
- Lineker’s Next Chapter
- Sky Sports’ Loss, BBC’s Gain
A New Era for Match of the Day
Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has garnered praise for her insightful coverage and engaging style, making her a top contender to lead the program into its next chapter. She has been with Sky Sports since 2017 and also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The BBC reportedly plans to rotate hosting duties between Cates, Chapman—currently the face of Match of the Day 2—and Logan, a long-time BBC sports broadcaster. Alan Shearer, a key pundit on the show, recently endorsed Chapman as a “logical” successor to Lineker, noting his proven ability to handle high-profile broadcasts.
A Digital-Focused Transformation
As part of its revamp, Match of the Day is expected to embrace a more digital-forward approach. The BBC has secured a rights deal for the 2025-26 season, allowing the program to post Premier League goal clips online, targeting younger audiences who increasingly consume highlights through social media and platforms like YouTube.
The new format will reportedly integrate a stronger news element, expanded written analysis, and other innovations aimed at revitalizing the brand. While traditional TV viewership has declined significantly in recent years, sports programming has remained relatively resilient, a trend the BBC hopes to capitalize on with its revamped iteration of Match of the Day.
Lineker’s Next Chapter
Lineker has indicated his support for the changes, acknowledging that the show’s evolution is necessary. “It makes sense for someone else to take the reins,” he said on his podcast The Rest is Football.
Despite stepping back from Match of the Day, Lineker’s podcasting venture, Goalhanger Podcasts, has flourished, with several shows dominating the UK charts. This success, combined with his commitments to the 2026 World Cup and FA Cup coverage, suggests Lineker is unlikely to take on additional hosting roles in the near future.
Sky Sports’ Loss, BBC’s Gain
Cates’ departure from Sky Sports has reportedly left her current employers “deeply saddened.” However, her move to the BBC underscores her status as one of the most respected broadcasters in sports media.
With a refreshed hosting team and a bold new vision, Match of the Day aims to reaffirm its place as a cornerstone of football coverage while appealing to a broader and more digitally engaged audience.
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