Netflix is looking to expand its sports offerings and has chosen Elle Duncan from ESPN as its first full-time on-air personality for this venture. This decision might hint at plans for more live sports content in the future, as reported by The Athletic.
Her move has raised some concerns about her future with ESPN, where she has been pivotal in covering women’s basketball. There has been talk, however, about her potentially still contributing to ESPN’s coverage, particularly for events like the Women’s Final Four and the WNBA Finals.
No final decision has been announced on that front yet, according to reports.
Duncan’s new contract with Netflix is still being finalized, but it’s said to allow her to also engage with other networks. Interestingly, she might even collaborate with Netflix on projects beyond sports.
A report indicated that Duncan’s addition could signal Netflix’s intention to further bolster its live sports lineup.
Recently, Netflix has acquired rights to stream certain NFL games on Christmas, aired WWE programming, and will host significant MLB events in the near future. For instance, the Yankees will face the Giants next MLB season.
This growing ambition seems to be stirring tensions, particularly with ESPN. The network appears reluctant to share talent with Netflix and turned down a proposal to collaborate for some upcoming games set to air on Netflix.
According to The Athletic, both platforms are becoming competitors for major events, which complicates their previously cooperative relationship.
Duncan, who joined ESPN in 2016, has served as an anchor for “SportsCenter” and hosts her own podcast. She has also taken on roles in women’s college basketball and WNBA coverage.
Netflix had shown interest in another ESPN talent, Malika Andrews, but she opted to re-sign with ESPN.
