WNBA ‘totally in turmoil’ – Dan Dakich

Dan Dakich, host on OutKick, joined Stuart Barney to discuss several hot topics: the possible $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Kushner and Iger, the WNBA’s recent statement concerning transgender eligibility, and Donald Trump’s Super Bowl predictions, among others.

On Thursday night, Major League Baseball and Netflix came close to creating a remarkable event.

The game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins at the Field of Dreams offered some stunning pregame moments for baseball enthusiasts. Watching current players walk out from the iconic cornfields of Iowa, accompanied by 26 Hall of Famers—including legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Mike Schmidt, Joe Mauer, and Jim Thome—was nothing short of cinematic.

However, when Netflix rejoined the pregame coverage, the magic quickly faded.

Viewers’ excitement was shattered as lead anchor Elle Duncan began speaking. Instead of letting the historical significance breathe, audiences were met with stilted commentary and a lack of genuine insight into the game. Social media lit up with criticism of her presentation right from the start.

“@netflix could have had the #FieldofDreamsGame featuring someone else, but instead, they chose the unbearable Elle Duncan. Seriously?” tweeted one dissatisfied viewer.

Another chimed in: “What grudge does Elle Duncan hold against Netflix? I can’t endure hearing her talk.”

This backlash isn’t without reason. Duncan has a track record that raises questions about her connection to baseball, leading many to wonder why she continues to be a prominent figure in these high-profile events.

This is the same host who, earlier in the season, confusingly referred to Home Base as “Home Base” during Netflix’s Opening Day at Oracle Park.

The broadcast attracted considerable criticism as well, especially regarding Duncan’s awkward delivery. Thursday night didn’t seem to change that impression.

Fans are also growing weary of Duncan’s tendency to offer lecture-based narratives instead of focusing on the sport itself. For instance, her recent comments about WNBA star Caitlin Clark veered away from the on-court action to make broader social statements, declaring, “It’s not her job to bear the weight of social media’s nonsense,” while adding that focusing on basketball isn’t the reality for players today.

It’s clear, even though this setting is Major League Baseball, Netflix still has a lot to learn to align with what sports fans are looking for.