ESPN’s Elle Duncan has become one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting over the past decade, and now it seems her career may be taking a major turn. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Netflix is set to make Duncan the face of its sports division, signaling a significant push by the streaming service into live sports. While she has not yet signed a formal deal, sources familiar with the matter indicate that negotiations are progressing and Netflix wants to prioritize Duncan as its first high-profile, full-time sports personality.
Netflix’s Sports Ambitions and Duncan’s Role
“Adding Duncan as its first high-profile, full-time on-air personality shows that the streaming service is becoming increasingly serious about adding more live sports to its lineup,” Marchand reported. Netflix, while known primarily for entertainment content, has recently begun experimenting with live sports coverage. Past efforts have included streaming NFL games on Christmas Day, Women’s World Cup matches, and MLB events. By bringing in Duncan, Netflix appears ready to ramp up its commitment, providing a recognizable, trusted voice to guide audiences through a growing sports catalog.
Duncan has spent nearly a decade at ESPN, co-hosting the early evening edition of SportsCenter for five years, hosting WNBA Countdown, and serving as the lead presenter for ESPN’s coverage of the women’s Final Four. Her experience in live broadcasting, versatility across sports, and strong social media presence make her an ideal candidate to lead Netflix’s emerging sports brand. However, questions remain about whether she will continue any responsibilities with ESPN or fully commit to the streaming platform.
Will Elle Duncan Leave ESPN?
Negotiations between Duncan and Netflix are ongoing, and according to sources, she is unlikely to maintain a full time role at ESPN. While Netflix reportedly would allow her to appear on other networks occasionally, the streaming service is expected to be her top priority. One point of contention appears to be NFL coverage. ESPN reportedly has been hesitant to share talent for Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL broadcasts, making it unlikely Duncan will continue covering that portion of ESPN’s programming.
The news of Duncan’s potential Netflix role comes on the heels of other high profile broadcasting moves. Netflix had previously pursued Malika Andrews, who ultimately signed a new deal with ESPN earlier this year. Duncan’s potential move would mark the first time a major sports streaming deal places a broadcaster outside traditional networks in a high profile, permanent role. It also raises questions about the evolving landscape of sports media and whether streaming services can rival traditional networks for both talent and viewers.
A Lighter Schedule, Bigger Impact
While her role at Netflix is expected to be lighter than her demanding ESPN schedule, it may give Duncan more flexibility and creative freedom. At ESPN, her responsibilities spanned multiple shows and time slots, from hosting SportsCenter to live coverage of the WNBA and NCAA tournaments. Moving to Netflix may allow her to focus on fewer events, but with a higher profile as the face of a growing sports brand.
Duncan’s reporting style is widely praised for its accessibility, professionalism, and ability to connect with fans. Kendrick Perkins even famously flirted with her on live television a few weeks ago, highlighting her popularity and media presence. With Netflix, her reach could expand even further as the platform continues its push into live sports programming. Fans are already speculating about which events she will cover first, and whether Netflix will invest in exclusive sports programming featuring her as the anchor.
What This Move Means for Sports Broadcasting
The potential deal signals a shift in the sports media landscape. Streaming platforms have been experimenting with live sports as a way to attract new audiences, particularly younger viewers who increasingly consume content digitally. By bringing in a recognizable, trusted figure like Duncan, Netflix not only strengthens its credibility in the sports world but also challenges traditional networks for talent retention and viewer engagement.
For ESPN, losing Duncan would be a blow to one of its most recognizable personalities, particularly in women’s basketball coverage. She has been the lead voice for ESPN’s coverage of the women’s Final Four and has cultivated strong relationships with players, coaches, and fans alike. The network would need to identify a replacement who can fill both her expertise and her charisma, something that may not be easy in the current sports media climate.
The Road Ahead
At this stage, Duncan has not confirmed the deal, and all parties including Netflix, ESPN, and Duncan herself have declined to comment officially. While it remains unclear exactly when or if she will transition to Netflix, sources indicate that the streaming service intends to make her a centerpiece of its live sports ambitions. Beyond sports, the deal may also provide opportunities for Duncan to participate in non sports programming, expanding her visibility and influence further.
If the move goes through, it could set a precedent for other broadcasters seeking more flexible or high-profile roles outside traditional networks. As streaming platforms continue to invest in sports, the competition for talent will likely intensify, and Duncan’s potential shift could be the first major example of a broadcaster leaving a legacy network for a digital first platform.
