Is Elle Duncan is leaving ESPN? Broadcaster set to become 'face' of Netflix's Sports coverage

Is Elle Duncan is leaving ESPN? Broadcaster set to become 'face' of Netflix's Sports coverage originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On Monday, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that longtime ESPN host Elle Duncan joining Netflix to become the "face" of its sports coverage. Duncan, a fixture on ESPN's flagship show SportsCenter and others, is one of the network's most recognizable and highly-regarded personalities since joining in 2016.

Her move to Netflix is expected to involve a substantial, multi-year deal where she will anchor the streaming service’s rapidly expanding live sports and studio content lineup, taking on a lead role in coverage for new initiatives like the NBA in-season tournament or original docuseries related to the platform's Formula 1, golf, and tennis content.

For Duncan, the reported move would be a significant career pivot from her role on traditional highlight shows to a streaming platform, allowing her to leverage her strong on-air presence and journalistic skills in a new format.

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Is Elle Duncan leaving ESPN?

Marchand reported that there is "pessimism that Duncan continues with ESPN" as she prepares to head up Netflix's sports division.

Duncan, a co-anchor of the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter and host of women's basketball coverage, reportedly has had discussions with ESPN about ways she could potentially continue to cover women's basketball for the network, even if she signs with Netflix.

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Elle Duncan contract

Duncan re-signed a multi-year deal with ESPN in August 2021. The exact expiration date was not publicly disclosed, but she has been a co-anchor on the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter and heavily involved in women's basketball coverage since then.

Duncan is reportedly "set to become the new face of Netflix's sports division," but her contract details have not been revealed.

The hire signals Netflix's desire to build and maintain a permanent sports portfolio as it nears marquee events such as the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight on Dec. 19 and the Christmas Day NFL doubleheader on Dec. 25.

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