Kelly Cates, the popular presenter from Sky Sports, is set to join the BBC as one of the hosts for its flagship football show, Match of the Day, starting next season. This move follows the announcement of Gary Lineker's departure at the end of the current season after 26 years as the face of the program.
According to numerous reports, the BBC has identified Cates as the leading candidate to replace Lineker, who has expressed his desire to step back from presenting duties. Lineker will continue to have ties with the BBC, heading up coverage of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, but his time on Match of the Day will officially conclude after the 2024/25 season.
Known as the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, Cates has built her reputation as one of the prominent figures at Sky Sports since she resumed her role with the network and took on significant broadcasting responsibilities covering the Premier League. The BBC's decision to bring her on board as part of the new three-person presenting team alongside Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman signals its intent to refresh the beloved show and adapt to changing viewer expectations.
Sky Sports officials have reportedly reacted with sadness to Cates' departure. They recognized how valuable she has been, especially since she has presented numerous live Premier League matches and other notable football content. An insider remarked, "Cates is joining the BBC to host MOTD in a major blow to Sky Sports," indicating the competitive nature of sports broadcasting and the high regard for Cates' talents.
Lineker himself has expressed mixed emotions about leaving the show, stating on his podcast, The Rest Is Football: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end." He has explained the thought process behind his departure, noting, "I feel this is now the right time. I think with the next [highlights] contract, they're looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so it makes sense for someone else to take the helm."
Lineker's time with Match of the Day began back in 1999, when he took over from Des Lynam. Over the years, he has become synonymous with the show, bringing insights from his illustrious playing career and presenting experience to audiences across the UK. His contributions will be missed, but as he hands over the reins, the BBC appears ready for new beginnings.
The decision to bring Cates onto the team is viewed as strategic, reflecting changes within the broadcasting industry and the BBC's intention to create potentially new formats for Match of the Day. Close sources state Cates, Logan, and Chapman are already ecstatic about working together, with their similar backgrounds and experiences creating instant chemistry among them as presenters.
According to insiders, the BBC is considering bolstering the show's format—possibly incorporating elements of news and digital engagement, especially with the evolvement of viewer habits and the rise of social media. The BBC aims to tap "untapped potential" as it adapts to the future of football broadcasting.
The television sports viewership is undergoing transformation, yet has proven resilience accordingly, indicating the company's acknowledgment of this shifting dynamic, and its push for innovative changes reflects best practices to stay relevant. While many tune to platforms like YouTube for immediate highlights and fan experiences, traditional programming still holds value, and adapting to this new era offers opportunities.
Sky Sports is undoubtedly facing challenges following Cates' departure, indicating the competitive nature of sports broadcasting and the talent pool available. Her exit may seem like a setback for Sky, but Cates seems powered by fresh opportunities lying before her at the BBC, alongside her fellow presenters.
Cates, who is well-versed with the BBC, also highlights her tenure with Radio 5 Live, where she engaged with audiences through various platforms. This experience will play well alongside Logan and Chapman, making for exciting anticipation around the future of Match of the Day.
For Cates, this transition marks not only professional growth but also demonstrates the ambitions of the BBC to innovate and modernize one of its cornerstone shows. The combined strengths of Cates, Logan, and Chapman are expected to captivate viewers and encourage dialogue about football, presenting limitless possibilities.
The upcoming season promises to bring new excitement to Match of the Day as it evolves, emboldening traditional sports journalism enriched with fresh perspectives. Cates is ready to embrace the spotlight as part of this new chapter, embarking on what promises to be an exciting and transformative era for the show.
