When Elle Duncan stepped off the SportsCenter set at 6 p.m. ET on December 24, 2025, she didn’t just clock out—she closed a chapter that reshaped how sports media operates. After nine years at ESPN, Duncan is fully departing to become Netflix’s first full-time sportscaster, a move confirmed by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic on November 25, 2025. The twist? She won’t be hosting daily shows anymore. Instead, she’ll be the face of Netflix’s sprawling sports empire—on Christmas Day NFL games, Women’s World Cup finals, and MLB playoffs—with far fewer hours and a salary that dwarfs her ESPN paycheck. It’s not just a job change. It’s a seismic signal that streaming has outgrown its awkward phase and now owns the talent that once belonged to cable giants.
The End of an Era at ESPN
Duncan’s tenure at ESPN wasn’t just long—it was defining. Since joining in 2016, she became the most recognizable voice in women’s basketball coverage. As co-host of the 6 p.m. SportsCenter alongside Kevin Negandhi since 2021, she brought warmth and authority to a time slot long dominated by male anchors. But her real legacy? Elevating women’s sports. She anchored every WNBA Finals since 2021, hosted the women’s version of College GameDay, and became the default voice for NCAA tournament coverage. Her presence wasn’t incidental—it was intentional. And now, ESPN loses all of it. Marchand’s tweet on November 25 made it official: “Elle Duncan will not continue on the WNBA or women’s college basketball for ESPN.” No partial roles. No guest appearances. Just a clean break.Why Netflix Wanted Her—And Why She Left
Netflix didn’t hire Duncan because she was available. They hired her because they needed someone who could unify their chaotic sports portfolio. Since landing the Christmas Day NFL package, MLB rights, Women’s World Cup, and boxing events, they’ve had no consistent on-air identity. Analysts? Check. Highlight reels? Sure. But a face viewers trust? Not until now. Duncan’s relatability, professionalism, and deep knowledge of women’s sports made her the perfect anchor for a platform trying to shed its “just movies” image. As for Duncan? The decision wasn’t about money alone—though sources tell Sports Illustrated her Netflix deal pays nearly triple her ESPN salary. It was about freedom. No more 6 a.m. call times. No more five-day workweeks. Her new contract allows her to appear on other platforms—like her popular YouTube show, The Elle Duncan Show—as long as Netflix gets priority. That flexibility? Unthinkable at ESPN.
A New Model for Sports Media
This isn’t just a talent swap. It’s a new playbook. Traditional networks like ESPN built empires on daily programming: SportsCenter, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight. Netflix doesn’t need that. It needs star power for marquee events. One big game. One host. One emotional connection. Duncan’s role mirrors how streaming handles drama series—no weekly episodes, but each premiere is an event. And she’ll be front and center. Industry insiders see this as Netflix’s clearest admission yet: sports broadcasting isn’t just about rights—it’s about personalities. “They used to say they didn’t want to compete with ESPN,” says former NBC Sports executive Linda Ruiz. “Now they’re not just competing—they’re redefining what a sports anchor looks like.”The Timing: Christmas Day and Beyond
Duncan’s ESPN contract runs through December 31, 2025. That means she could technically appear on ESPN’s New Year’s Eve coverage. But sources suggest her final broadcast will be the December 23 WNBA Finals recap. Her Netflix debut? Almost certainly the Christmas Day NFL games on December 25. Imagine it: a holiday classic, a packed stadium, and Duncan breaking down a last-second touchdown with the same calm authority she’s shown for nine years. Beyond that? Sports Illustrated reports she may eventually host non-sports content—documentaries, athlete profiles, even talk segments. Netflix isn’t just hiring a sportscaster. They’re hiring a storyteller.
No Hard Feelings, Just Big Changes
Here’s the most surprising part: no drama. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro reportedly praised Duncan’s contributions in a private call. Internal memos describe her as “a class act” and “a role model.” Even ESPN’s rivals acknowledge she leaves with goodwill. The network may lose her voice—but not her reputation. Meanwhile, Netflix is quietly building something no one expected: a sports division with soul. And Elle Duncan? She’s the first person to give it one.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Elle Duncan’s move affect women’s sports coverage on ESPN?
ESPN loses its most visible and trusted voice for WNBA and women’s college basketball. Duncan hosted every Finals since 2021 and anchored College GameDay’s women’s edition. Her departure leaves a void in both visibility and credibility, and no replacement has been named. Analysts worry this could reduce audience engagement, especially among younger fans who connected with her authentic style.
Why is Netflix investing so heavily in sports now?
Netflix has spent the last two years acquiring rights to NFL Christmas games, MLB, Women’s World Cup, and boxing—not to compete on volume, but on prestige. With no consistent on-air talent, they struggled to build loyalty. Duncan’s hiring signals a shift: they’re no longer just a content library. They’re becoming a destination for live events, and talent is the glue holding it together.
Will Elle Duncan still appear on ESPN after her move?
No. According to Andrew Marchand’s reporting, Duncan will have no further role in ESPN’s WNBA or women’s college basketball coverage. Her contract ends December 31, 2025, but her final appearances are expected before year-end. Even if she technically remains under contract, ESPN has confirmed she will not return to air in any capacity after her Netflix debut.
What does this mean for other sportscasters?
It opens the door for top-tier talent to leave traditional networks for streaming flexibility. Duncan’s deal offers higher pay, fewer hours, and creative freedom—something ESPN and Fox can’t easily match. Expect more anchors, especially women and people of color, to explore streaming options. The power balance is shifting: talent now has leverage, and networks must compete on lifestyle, not just salary.
Could this lead to Netflix launching a 24/7 sports channel?
Unlikely in the near term. Netflix’s strategy is event-driven, not 24/7. They don’t need a channel—they need stars for big moments. Duncan’s role is designed for premieres, not daily grind. That’s the difference: ESPN builds schedules. Netflix builds moments. And in the streaming era, moments are what keep subscribers.
How does this impact the future of sports media overall?
This move proves streaming platforms no longer need to mimic cable. They can outmaneuver them by offering better work-life balance, higher pay, and creative control. The days of sportscasters being tied to 6 a.m. call times and five-day weeks are fading. The future belongs to flexible, high-profile talent who can anchor events without being chained to a studio. Elle Duncan didn’t just change jobs—she changed the game.
