Duncan has been a face of ESPN’s coverage and network events in recent years. Manoli Figetakis / Getty Images
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.
The Athletic reported Monday that Duncan was headed to Netflix. While there was pessimism for her to remain at ESPN as its lead host on women’s basketball, it was still possible. That door has closed, according to sources briefed on ESPN’s decision. ESPN declined to comment.
There is no animosity between Duncan and ESPN as she is said to be a favorite of the network’s chairman, Jimmy Pitaro. Besides her on-air work as the host of the WNBA Finals, women’s Final Four and daily 6 p.m. SportsCenter, she also was part of the network’s Upfronts (yearly presentations of upcoming programming) for advertisers and took part in other corporate events.
That said, Netflix is increasingly becoming a competitor to ESPN. The network has denied Netflix use of its on-air personalities for its NFL games this Christmas. Last year, ESPN did let on-air stalwarts, like Mina Kimes and Laura Rutledge, work for Netflix.
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.
Duncan could still appear on other networks or platforms as part of her Netflix agreement. Netflix will have first rights if there are any conflicts, if she lands other gigs.
Duncan’s current contract runs through the end of the year so conceivably she may be on ESPN over the next month. Netflix could attempt to see if it can get her out early to make her initial appearance this Christmas.
Nov 25, 2025
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle