BBC Reveals On-Air Pay for 2025-2026: Match of the Day Hosts Enter the List
The BBC has published its annual report detailing on-air talent salaries above £178,000 for the 2025-2026 period. For the first time, Match of the Day presenters Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan appear on the list, alongside co-host Mark Chapman, following their takeover of the iconic football highlights show from Gary Lineker in 2025.
Gabby Logan, a former rhythmic gymnast and veteran sports presenter, ranked 26th with earnings between £290,000 and £294,999. The 53-year-old was not listed in the previous year's report. She shares the 26th spot with Welsh broadcaster Jason Mohammad. Kelly Cates, aged 50, secured the 46th position with a salary range of £215,000 to £219,999, tying with BBC Breakfast's Rachel Burden, who saw a slight decrease from £220,000-£224,999.
Scott Mills Tops the List; Gary Lineker's Salary Drops Significantly
Radio 1's Scott Mills topped the list with earnings between £745,000 and £749,999, a significant increase from £355,000-£359,999 the previous year. Greg James followed at £440,000-£444,999, up from £425,000-£429,999. Stephen Nolan ranked third at £425,000-£429,999, up from £405,000-£409,999.
Gary Lineker, who stepped down from Match of the Day in 2025, saw his salary plummet from £1,350,000-£1,354,999 to £325,000-£329,999, placing him 15th. Alan Shearer, another football pundit, earned £390,000-£394,999, down from £440,000-£444,999.
Mark Chapman's Pay Rises; New Entrants Include Nick Grimshaw and Anna Foster
Mark Chapman, who now co-hosts Match of the Day, earned £335,000-£339,999, up from £325,000-£329,999, ranking 11th alongside Nick Grimshaw, who was not listed in 2024/25. Other notable new entrants include Anna Foster (20th, £315,000-£319,999), Lauren Laverne (38th, £235,000-£239,999), and Matt Chorley (40th, £230,000-£234,999).
Pay Changes Across the Board: Increases and Decreases
Several presenters saw their pay rise, including Trevor Nelson (13th, £330,000-£334,999, up from £245,000-£249,999) and Reeta Chakrabarti (15th, £325,000-£329,999, up from £300,000-£304,999). Meanwhile, Fiona Bruce dropped from £410,000-£414,999 to £345,000-£349,999 (9th), and Nick Robinson fell from £410,000-£414,999 to £330,000-£334,999 (13th).
Full List of BBC On-Air Pay for 2025/26
The complete ranking includes 70 entries, with salaries ranging from £178,000 to £749,999. Among the notable names, Vernon Kay and Laura Kuenssberg tied for 4th at £405,000-£409,999. Other sports figures include Alex Scott (60th, £195,000-£199,999) and Michael Vaughan (68th, £185,000-£189,999). The report reflects the BBC's commitment to transparency in executive pay, as mandated by its royal charter.
