**Gabby Logan Champions Fresh Sports Quiz Format at BBC After Iconic Show’s Conclusion**
Gabby Logan, one of the most familiar and respected faces in UK sports broadcasting, has made it known that she is actively pursuing a new project with the BBC in the wake of “A Question of Sport” being removed from the air. This comes after the beloved quiz show, which entertained the nation for half a century, was axed in 2023—a move that left a noticeable gap in the schedules and in the hearts of dedicated sports fans.
Logan, 52, has had a prolific career in sports media and continues to be a leading presenter for major sporting events, from the Six Nations and Olympic Games to the London Marathon and the World Cup. Most recently, she has been chosen to join the presenting line-up on the BBC’s stalwart programme, “Match of the Day,” stepping in after Gary Lineker’s departure alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates. In the midst of these successes, Logan’s appetite for innovation and keeping sport at the heart of British television remains undiminished.
The Welsh broadcaster revealed her latest idea during a candid conversation on “A Load of BS on Sport,” a podcast hosted by former Wales rugby international Dan Biggar and behavioural science specialist Daniel Ross. Logan expressed her conviction that a quiz format grounded purely in sports expertise—akin to the successful “Mastermind”—could be a big winner with audiences craving authentic sporting knowledge.
“I’ve been pitching for ages… I might as well say it now, but I keep telling the BBC they should have a Mastermind for sport!” Logan revealed on the podcast. She articulated that the end of “A Question of Sport” saw the programme drift away from its original focus, trying to emulate other panel shows such as “A League of Their Own” and, in her eyes, losing some of its essence in the process.
Logan’s proposed format is refreshingly simple: contestants would face rigorous questioning on their own specialised subject—perhaps something as specific as “Newcastle United from 1992 to the present”—before taking on a broad general knowledge round to separate the casual fans from the true aficionados. “That’s the easiest and most accessible format,” she explained. “People want to see someone put on the spot about sport—just like Mastermind, but swapping the black chair for a world of sports trivia.”
She went further, stating her own belief in the concept, adding, “I genuinely think that would be a hit. I’d watch that every week.” This sentiment reflects her clear understanding of a viewership that values both the depth and the challenge of sports knowledge, something that more entertainment-focused quiz shows may overlook.
During the podcast, Logan even demonstrated her own competitive spirit by besting Dan Biggar in a quickfire test on Welsh sporting trivia. Despite her victory, she offered a light-hearted critique of the round, which was devised by Ross. “I’m not sure that quiz has many legs,” she joked, referencing one of her own former TV ventures. Logan quipped that, unlike her current pitch, this impromptu quiz perhaps lacked enough substance for prime-time television.
Logan’s candour and willingness to address both her defeats and her victories in front of the camera underline her authenticity—a quality that endears her to the sporting public. Her commitment to the idea of a Mastermind-inspired show is also a testament to her confidence in the enduring appeal of radio and television formats rooted in knowledge and expertise.
As the BBC’s sporting landscape continues to evolve, Logan’s latest pitch suggests an appetite for formats that respect both the intellect and the passion of the sporting audience. Whether her idea comes to fruition remains to be seen, but it is clear she remains a driving influence behind the scenes as much as she is on screen.
The conversation also highlights a wider discussion about the direction of sports programming on national television. With traditional formats making way for new ideas, broadcasters face the challenge of maintaining loyal viewers while also attracting a new generation of fans.
As speculation about the future of BBC’s sports entertainment continues, all eyes will be on whether Logan’s vision for a dedicated sports quiz show becomes reality—potentially revitalising a cherished tradition with a modern twist.