Australia’s most talked-about breakfast show, Today, has announced that respected sports journalist and Weekend Today host Michael Atkinson will join Today as sports presenter following the departure of Danika Mason.

Michael Atkinson said: “Sport is in my veins. From growing up on rugby league, swimming and cricket in country Queensland, to playing Aussie Rules and tennis as a schoolboy, playing and working in rugby union as an adult, and working on netball and the Olympics in the media, I feel connected to every variety of sport.
With two home World Cups next year and Nine’s biggest ever year of sport, it’s going to be epic. I can’t wait to bring the latest sports news to our viewers.
Hosting Weekend Today alongside Ali and Lizzie has been such a huge privilege.
The team behind the show – led by Executive Producer Michael Kersnovske – do a phenomenal job and are so incredible to work with.
Not only are Ali and Lizzie exceptional professionals, but they have also challenged me to be a better broadcaster and we have become close friends. The past 10 or so months on Weekend Today have been some of the most enjoyable of my career to date and I’m eternally grateful for the experience of sharing the desk with Ali and Lizzie.”

Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steve Burling, said: “Michael’s love of sport runs deep and he is the perfect fit to join Today. He is already familiar to our audience having hosted Weekend Today and filled in on the Today desk, but will bring a different dynamic to the show.
His appointment, in addition to Danika’s return to sport in 2027, is another example of the depth of talent we have at Nine.”

Michael will continue hosting Weekend Today until the 2026 summer break. He will also remain a key member of the Wide World of Sports team and continue with his rugby union hosting duties including Super Rugby, Rugby Internationals and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Monday 19 October, 2026