Mark Chapman Hosts First Match of the Day Since Lineker Exit

Mark Chapman is set to host the first Match of the Day programme of the 2025/26 Premier League season, marking the start of a new era following Gary Lineker's departure after 26 years as the show's lead presenter. Chapman, who has been a regular on the BBC and previously hosted Match of the Day 2, will be joined by pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, with Rooney signing a two-year contract reportedly worth £800,000. The presenting duties will be shared among Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan, with Cates hosting midweek Champions League shows and Logan hosting the Sunday programme. Lineker left the BBC amid controversy after sharing an antisemitic post and is expected to return to television with ITV's new show The Box. The Match of the Day 2 show will be rebranded by dropping the '2' from its title, reflecting a refreshed format. While Chapman, Logan, and Cates are set to lead the flagship football coverage, their combined earnings are expected to be significantly less than Lineker's previous £1.35 million annual salary.