The widely admired football presenter Kelly Cates is poised to take on one of the most iconic roles in British sports broadcasting, replacing Gary Lineker as host of the BBC’s Match of the Day. Cates is reportedly leaving her current position at Sky Sports to become part of a revamped presenting team for the next season, joining Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has been a mainstay of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage since 2017 and regularly presents for BBC Radio 5 Live. Known for her sharp analysis and engaging on-screen presence, she has been identified as the BBC’s leading candidate to step into the role after Lineker’s departure. According to reports, Cates will rotate hosting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 with Chapman and Logan.
The news marks a significant transition for the BBC’s flagship football highlights show, which Lineker has hosted since 1999. Lineker announced earlier this year that he would step down at the end of the current Premier League season. He will continue to work with the BBC until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, before leaving the broadcaster entirely.
When asked about the potential appointment, the BBC declined to confirm the reports, stating that it does not “comment on speculation.” Sky Sports, meanwhile, acknowledged the reports of Cates’ departure but offered “nothing to add.”
A New Direction for Match of the Day
The change in presenters coincides with a broader transformation of Match of the Day. BBC executives reportedly want to modernise the show, appealing to younger audiences who increasingly consume football highlights through digital platforms. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, a new Premier League rights deal will allow the BBC to post clips of all goals scored on its website, marking a shift towards greater integration of digital content.
Lineker himself has spoken about the show’s evolving format. On his podcast, The Rest is Football, he acknowledged the BBC’s intention to “do Match of the Day slightly differently” and said he understood the decision to bring in a new presenter.
The reimagined program will reportedly strongly focus on digital and social media. It will use the BBC’s expanded rights to deliver goal clips, written content, and deeper analysis. The program may also feature a news-driven approach to match coverage.
While traditional TV viewership has declined significantly recently, sports broadcasting has remained relatively resilient. According to industry data, broadcast TV figures have dropped by 26% since 2015, but sports programming has only seen a 3% decline in the same period. This highlights the enduring appeal of live sports and analysis, even as younger fans increasingly turn to platforms like YouTube and social media for immediate access to highlights.
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Kelly Cates’ Impressive Career
Kelly Cates, 49, brings extensive experience and credibility to the role. A seasoned broadcaster, she has earned praise for her ability to deliver insightful commentary and maintain an engaging connection with viewers. Her departure from Sky Sports is reportedly being met with disappointment by executives at the network, who are said to be “deeply saddened” to lose her talents.
At Sky Sports, Cates became a familiar face for Premier League fans. She consistently provided high-quality coverage that balanced in-depth analysis with approachable presentation. Her move to Match of the Day represents a significant career milestone and a fresh start for a show seeking to reinvent itself for a new generation of football fans.
The End of an Era
Gary Lineker’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era for Match of the Day. Having hosted the program for 25 years, he has become synonymous with Saturday night football highlights in the UK. Known for his wit and expert insight, Lineker has been a defining figure in sports broadcasting, earning widespread respect both on and off-screen.
As the BBC looks to the future, the addition of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan promises a fresh dynamic for Match of the Day. With a new format and focus on digital innovation, the show aims to maintain its relevance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape while staying true to its rich legacy as the home of football highlights.
