Netflix turned to ESPN to find the face of its developing sports venture.
The streaming giant is adding ESPN’s Elle Duncan as its first “full-time on-air” personality for its growing sports enterprise that could include more live sports in the future, according to The Athletic.
This addition has reportedly created pessimism surrounding Duncan’s future with ESPN, although the parties have discussed her potentially still contributing to the WorldWide Leader’s women’s basketball coverage, where she has played a role in its women’s Final Four and WNBA Finals productions.
Elle Duncan in September 2025. Getty Images
No decision has been made about that possibility, per the report.
Duncan’s Netflix contract has not yet been signed, and while the company will be her focus, her pact is reportedly expected to allow her to contribute to other networks.
She also potentially may help in other non-sports areas for Netflix, according to the outlet.
The Athletic notes that hiring Duncan, 42, is an indication that Netflix has plans to add more live sports to its catalogue.
Netflix obtained the rights to air NFL games on Christmas, broadcasts WWE programming including Monday night’s “Raw,” streamed the much-anticipated but ultimate dud of a fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson and will be the home of MLB’s opening game and the Home Run Derby in 2026.
Elle Duncan (left) during the WNBA Finals. NBAE via Getty Images
Next year’s MLB season features the Giants hosting the Yankees.
The growing Netflix presence is reportedly creating some friction in the sports media landscape.
ESPN “has been hesitant” to share its talent with Netflix, turning down the ask to let its talent be part of the Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings games airing this Dec. 25 on Netflix.
The Athletic said networks “have balked at continuing to help with is increasingly a rival for big-time events.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson was a premium live sports event on Netflix. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Duncan, 42, joined ESPN in 2016 as an anchor for “SportsCenter,” and also hosts her self-named podcast which the company promotes.
Her other duties include being the women’s college basketball host for “College GameDay” and hosting “WNBA Countdown,” per her company bio.
Netflix showed interest in fellow ESPN star Malika Andrews, but she re-signed with ESPN, per the outlet.
