Elle Duncan, a longtime host and anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” is reportedly poised to become the “face” of Netflix’s burgeoning sports coverage, as revealed by Andrew Marchand from The Athletic. While specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, Duncan’s future with ESPN remains uncertain, and she has yet to finalize her contract with Netflix. There are indications that the forthcoming agreement might allow her to appear on other networks.
The report suggests a sense of “pessimism” regarding Duncan’s continuation with ESPN. Given her current heavy workload, which involves frequent appearances across various platforms, it seems unlikely she can maintain her existing role at ESPN while prioritizing her responsibilities with Netflix. Nonetheless, discussions have taken place about the possibility of Duncan remaining at ESPN in a reduced capacity, focusing specifically on women’s basketball—an area where she has excelled as the anchor of the network’s coverage, hosting “College Gameday,” and broadcasting the Final Four and WNBA Finals.
As for her potential role at Netflix, details remain somewhat vague. However, she is expected to host prominent events, which in the past have included NFL games on Christmas and notable boxing matches. Netflix is expanding its live sports offerings, recently announcing it will stream MLB events starting in 2026, including Opening Day games and the Home Run Derby, alongside continuing its NFL coverage.
Currently, Netflix’s live sports schedule is limited. However, the prospect of bringing Duncan on board signifies the platform’s ambition to enhance its sports coverage. This evolution may leave room for Duncan to pursue additional opportunities within the realm of sports broadcasting, ensuring her presence in various formats while contributing significantly to Netflix’s growing portfolio.