ESPN’s Elle Duncan in talks to lead Netflix’s bold sports expansion
Elle Duncan, a prominent figure on ESPN, is reportedly in negotiations to join Netflix as the streaming giant broadens its live sports coverage. Duncan, who began her career in sports talk radio and joined ESPN in 2016, has become a familiar face as a SportsCenter co-host. She gained wider attention earlier this year for a viral on-air joke during the WNBA All-Star Game.
Netflix has been bolstering its sports portfolio, securing rights to WWE’s Monday Night Raw and NFL games on Christmas Day. The company also recently won US broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. Sources suggest Duncan will be hired as the public face of Netflix's sports division, though her exact role remains undefined.
While her ESPN future appears uncertain, with little optimism about her staying, Duncan may still retain some involvement in women’s basketball—a sport Netflix does not currently cover. She is expected to sign a significant contract with Netflix, likely taking on a high-profile position for its marquee sporting events.
The move would see Duncan step away from her current ESPN schedule, though details of her new responsibilities at Netflix have yet to be confirmed. Her departure from the network, if finalised, would mark the end of a notable chapter in her broadcasting career. Netflix’s push into live sports continues, with Duncan potentially playing a central role in its growth.
