Elle Duncan Departs ESPN for Exciting Netflix Role
Elle Duncan, a veteran sports anchor, is set to make a significant career transition. She will join Netflix as the lead host for its expanding live sports segment. This announcement was made by the streaming giant on Thursday, marking an exciting new chapter for Duncan.
Elle Duncan’s New Role at Netflix
Duncan, aged 42, will take center stage on Netflix with her debut in the event “Skyscraper Live.” This unique show will feature renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building. Her final appearance on ESPN’s flagship program, “SportsCenter,” occurred this past Wednesday.
Duncan’s Background
Joining ESPN in 2016, Duncan is well-known to sports enthusiasts. She has also made guest appearances on programs like “WNBA Countdown” and “College GameDay.” Her departure signals a notable shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting.
Netflix’s Expanding Sports Portfolio
Netflix is increasing its presence in the live sports arena. The company has secured a deal with Major League Baseball, granting them rights to key events such as:
- The season opener
- The Home Run Derby
- The Field of Dreams game for the next three years
Additionally, they are set to air two NFL games on Christmas Day. This will further enhance their offerings, which already include significant boxing events like the recent bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Podcast Ventures
In tandem with live sports, Netflix has also partnered with Barstool Sports. Starting next year, the platform will be the exclusive video home for popular podcasts including:
- “Pardon My Take”
- “The Ryen Russillo Podcast”
- “Spittin’ Chiclets”
As stated by Gabe Spitzer, Netflix’s vice president for sports, “Elle Duncan’s proven ability to seamlessly move between hard-hitting sports analysis and warm, personality-driven cultural hosting makes her a perfect fit at Netflix.” Her addition is expected to significantly enhance their global programming, blending expertise with recognizable star power.