Elle Duncan is walking away from ESPN — not just stepping back, but fully severing ties. The longtime host of Elle Duncan’s 6 p.m. Eastern Time SportsCenter slot is set to become Netflix’s first full-time sportscaster, according to reports from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic on November 24 and 25, 2025. This isn’t a side gig. It’s a seismic shift in sports media, and it’s happening right as ESPN is still trying to stabilize its women’s sports coverage. Duncan’s exit, expected to be complete by year’s end, leaves a gaping hole — not just in the anchor chair, but in the heart of how fans experience women’s basketball on TV.
From Bristol to the Streaming Frontier
Duncan joined ESPN in 2016 as a SportsCenter anchor, quickly rising through the ranks. By 2021, she was co-hosting the prime 6 p.m. ET edition with Kevin Negandhi — a role that made her one of the most visible faces on the network. But her real impact came behind the scenes: as ESPN’s lead host for Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) coverage and major women’s college basketball events. She didn’t just report on the games — she elevated them. Her warmth, insight, and deep knowledge turned casual viewers into loyal fans.Now, Netflix wants her to do the same for its growing sports slate. The streaming giant has spent the last two years aggressively acquiring live rights: Christmas Day NFL games, FIFA Women’s World Cup (starting 2027), MLB regular-season games, wrestling, and boxing. But here’s the twist — unlike ESPN, which demands daily studio presence, Netflix doesn’t need a 24/7 anchor. They need a face. A voice. Someone who can bring gravitas to big moments.
The Contract Conundrum
Duncan’s current ESPN contract runs through December 31, 2025. That’s the sticking point. Early reports suggested she might split time — hosting for both networks. But Marchand’s November 25 update confirmed: ESPN and Duncan are expected to fully part ways. No more WNBA games. No more SportsCenter desk. The door is closing.Except… it’s not that simple.
According to Sports Illustrated on November 26, 2025, ESPN and Netflix are still negotiating whether Duncan could continue hosting select women’s basketball events — even after joining Netflix. That’s the wild card. Would ESPN let its biggest women’s sports voice walk to a competitor — but still appear on its airwaves? Would Netflix agree to that? The answer isn’t just business. It’s legacy.
Why This Matters Beyond the Headlines
This isn’t just about one host moving jobs. It’s about where sports media is headed.ESPN has spent years trying to prove it’s serious about women’s sports. Duncan was its most effective ambassador. Her departure signals either a failure to retain top talent — or a strategic retreat. Meanwhile, Netflix is betting big that star power can carry its sports brand. No studio. No daily grind. Just big events. Big moments. And one big name.
It’s a model that could redefine how sports networks operate. Why pay for a full-time anchor when you can hire a star for 12 marquee events a year? Duncan’s role at Netflix won’t be like her ESPN job — it’ll be more like a guest host on HBO Max, but with higher stakes.
And here’s the quiet irony: Netflix’s first major live event under this new model? The Christmas Day NFL game in 2025. That’s the perfect stage. A national audience. A holiday tradition. And a chance for Duncan to debut as the face of something new — not just another host, but the pioneer of streaming sports.
What’s Next?
Final decisions are expected before December 31, 2025. ESPN is reportedly scrambling to identify potential replacements for Duncan’s dual role — studio host and women’s basketball lead. Sources inside its Bristol, Connecticut headquarters say morale is low. Many see this as a loss of credibility.Meanwhile, Netflix is quietly preparing its launch. No official announcement yet. No press release. Just a quiet handshake between Netflix and Creative Artists Agency, Duncan’s reps. Both companies declined to comment, per The Times of India’s November 26 report.
But make no mistake — this move is historic. For the first time, a major U.S. sports broadcaster is losing its most visible female voice to a streaming platform that doesn’t even have a studio. The rules are changing. And Elle Duncan? She’s not just changing jobs.
She’s changing the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Elle Duncan leaving ESPN if her contract runs through 2025?
Though her contract expires December 31, 2025, ESPN and Duncan are reportedly negotiating a full separation, likely to avoid legal or branding conflicts. Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL broadcast offers a natural exit window, and both sides appear eager to finalize the transition before the new year. Some reports suggest financial incentives from Netflix may have accelerated the split, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
What will Elle Duncan’s role at Netflix actually be?
Netflix hasn’t confirmed specifics, but sources indicate Duncan won’t host daily shows. Instead, she’ll serve as the primary on-air personality for key events like Christmas Day NFL, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and select MLB games. Her role is more about branding and credibility than daily news — a shift from ESPN’s 24/7 model to Netflix’s event-driven approach.
Could Elle Duncan still host WNBA games for ESPN after joining Netflix?
It’s uncertain. Early reports suggested a possible hybrid arrangement, but Andrew Marchand’s November 25 update confirmed ESPN expects a full separation. However, as of November 26, both companies are still discussing whether Duncan could return for select women’s basketball events — a rare compromise that would blur traditional network boundaries.
How does this affect ESPN’s coverage of women’s sports?
ESPN loses its most trusted voice in women’s basketball — a host who drew viewership and respect across demographics. Internal sources say the network is now scrambling to rebuild its women’s sports presentation, with no clear successor identified. The move raises questions about ESPN’s ability to retain top talent in a market where streaming platforms offer more creative freedom.
Why is Netflix investing so heavily in sports right now?
Netflix is using sports to drive subscriptions and compete with Disney+, Amazon Prime, and traditional cable. With exclusive rights to NFL Christmas games, MLB, and the Women’s World Cup, it’s building a library of live events that can’t be streamed elsewhere. Hiring Duncan — a beloved, credible figure — is a signal that Netflix isn’t just buying games, it’s investing in storytelling and trust.
Is this the future of sports broadcasting?
It could be. The model — hiring star talent for high-profile events rather than full-time studio roles — is cheaper and more flexible. As streaming services gain live rights, they may rely less on traditional sports networks and more on curated, event-based hosting. Duncan’s move could be the first domino in a broader industry shift away from daily sports news toward premium, appointment-viewing moments.
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