Netflix is reportedly poised to hire veteran ESPN anchor Elle Duncan as the first full-time face of its burgeoning sports division, signaling a major shift in the streaming giant’s approach to live sports coverage.
According to a report Monday from The Athletic, the deal would position Duncan as the primary host for Netflix’s expanding portfolio of live events, which includes NFL Christmas Day games, Major League Baseball coverage and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Deal:
ESPN and Elle Duncan will fully part ways as she moves to Netflix to become the new face of the streaming service’s burgeoning sports programming, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic.
Duncan’s deal with Netflix is for a substantial raise from her ESPN salary and will allow her to work much less. Netflix has the rights to Christmas Day NFL games, three MLB events, including Opening Day in March between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, and the Women’s World Cup in 2027. Netflix is expected to add more. Duncan may also work some non-sports events.
Netflix’s Sports Ambitions:
The move underscores Netflix’s transition from sports documentaries to live event broadcasting. After years of relying on borrowed talent for one-off events—such as the “Netflix Slam” tennis exhibition and the roast of Tom Brady—the streamer is building a dedicated in-house team.
Duncan’s arrival would coincide with Netflix’s significant acquisition of live rights. The platform is set to stream two NFL games on Christmas Day this year and in 2026. Additionally, it will broadcast MLB games on Christmas starting in 2025 and holds exclusive rights to WWE’s “Raw” beginning in January 2025.
Duncan’s Rise:
A fixture at ESPN since 2016, Duncan has become one of the network’s most versatile personalities. Beyond SportsCenter, she has been integral to the network’s WNBA and women’s college basketball coverage, hosting “College GameDay” for the women’s tournament.
ESPN recently secured fellow host Malika Andrews to a long-term extension after Netflix reportedly expressed interest in her for a similar role.
Netflix has not publicly commented on the negotiations.
