Key Takeaways:
- Full Departure: Veteran host Elle Duncan and ESPN are completely parting ways as she moves to Netflix.
- New Face of Sports: Duncan will become the face of Netflix’s growing sports programming, a major move for the streaming giant.
- Significant Deal: The new role reportedly comes with a substantial salary increase and a lighter workload for Duncan.
- Growing Rivalry: The split highlights the increasing competition between ESPN and Netflix in the sports broadcasting landscape.
Veteran sports host Elle Duncan is officially leaving ESPN to join Netflix, where she will become the new face of the streaming service’s expanding sports division. Sources have confirmed that the move will be a complete separation from ESPN, ending a significant chapter in her broadcasting career.
A Star Host Moves to Streaming
Elle Duncan has been a prominent and popular figure at ESPN, known for her engaging presence on the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter. She has also been a key host for some of the network’s premier events, including the WNBA Finals and the women’s Final Four.
Despite her departure, reports indicate the split is amicable. Duncan is said to be highly regarded by ESPN’s chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, and has been a valuable part of the network’s corporate events and advertiser presentations.
Netflix’s Big Bet on Live Sports
Duncan’s move to Netflix signals a major strategic push by the streaming giant into the competitive world of live sports. Her deal is reported to include a significant raise from her ESPN salary and a more flexible work schedule.
Netflix has been aggressively acquiring sports rights, including its high-profile deal for Christmas Day NFL games. The platform will also stream MLB events, such as the season opener between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, and has secured the rights for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Duncan is expected to be at the forefront of this new programming, and her role may even extend to non-sports events.
A New Era of Competition
The move underscores the growing rivalry between traditional broadcasters like ESPN and streaming powerhouses like Netflix. As a sign of this intensifying competition, ESPN has reportedly blocked its on-air talent from appearing on Netflix’s NFL broadcasts this year, a reversal from its previous policy.
What’s Next for Elle Duncan?
Duncan’s current contract with ESPN runs through the end of the year. While she could potentially appear on the network for the next month, there is speculation that Netflix may try to get her out of her contract early to have her debut during its Christmas Day NFL coverage.
Her agreement with Netflix also allows her the flexibility to appear on other networks or platforms, although Netflix will retain first rights in case of any scheduling conflicts. This move marks a significant shift in the sports media landscape, placing a seasoned and respected host at the helm of a new and ambitious sports venture.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6836974/2025/11/25/elle-duncan-espn-netflix/