Elle Duncan, ESPN to fully part ways with her move to Netflix: Sources

ESPN and Elle Duncan will part ways as she moves to Netflix to become the new face of the streaming service’s growing sports programming, sources briefed on the decision said. athletic,

athletic It was reported on Monday that Duncan was headed to Netflix. Although she was disappointed to remain at ESPN as the lead host on women’s basketball, it was still possible. According to sources briefed on ESPN’s decision, that door has closed. ESPN declined to comment.

There is no animosity between Duncan and ESPN as he is said to be a favorite of network president Jimmy Pitaro. In addition to her on-air work as host of the WNBA Finals, Women’s Final Four and the daily 6 p.m. SportsCenter, she was also part of the network’s upfronts (annual presentations of upcoming programming) for advertisers and participated in other corporate events.

That said, Netflix is ​​quickly becoming a competitor to ESPN. The network has denied Netflix the use of its on-air personalities for its NFL games this Christmas. Last year, ESPN let on-air veterans like Mina Kimes and Laura Rutledge work for Netflix.

Duncan’s deal with Netflix calls for a substantial increase in his ESPN salary and will allow him to work much less. Netflix has the rights to Christmas Day NFL games, three MLB events, including Opening Day in March between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, and the Women’s World Cup in 2027. Netflix is ​​expected to add more. Duncan may also officiate at some non-sporting events.

Duncan may still appear on other networks or platforms as part of her Netflix agreement. If there is a conflict, Netflix will have first rights if it gets the other program.

Duncan’s current contract runs through the end of the year so there’s a possibility she could be on ESPN next month. Netflix may try to see if it can get him out early for his initial appearance this Christmas.