Netflix has hired Elle Duncan, formerly an ESPN anchor, as its first on-air sports host under a multiyear deal to front live sports and cultural events starting in early 2026 with Skyscraper Live, which will feature free solo climber Alex Honnold tackling Taipei 101.

Duncan emphasizes a multisport, storytelling approach that brings energy and personality to Netflix’s sports programming.

Duncan departs ESPN after eight years, with her final SportsCenter appearance recently and involvement in the women’s NCAA Tournament and WNBA coverage concluding the chapter.

Her early career includes radio work and sideline reporting for the Atlanta Hawks, laying the groundwork for her move into national broadcasting.

The rest of the material in the source is a compilation of podcast links and descriptions rather than a single cohesive article.

Duncan has not publicly discussed her religious beliefs, though some profiles note she is Christian; she has not spoken about faith in interviews or on social media.

Duncan, a U.S. native raised in Atlanta, identifies as Black and has stated she is not Hispanic.

Her TV career includes a 2014 stint with NESN as a host and live reporter, co-hosting NESN Live and covering the Boston Red Sox, with a brief appearance in the film Ride Along as a reporter.

Netflix plans additional live sports events in 2026 and cites past efforts like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, noting streaming hiccups but continuing to expand sports offerings.

Duncan’s career began with an internship at 790/The Zone, followed by roles at V-103 as an on-air correspondent and sideline reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Falcons, plus ACC/SEC football freelancing and a WXIA-TV traffic role from 2012 to 2014.

Netflix is set to stream two NFL games on Christmas Day, Cowboys at Commanders and Lions at Vikings, with Kelly Clarkson performing 'Underneath the Tree' during the events.

Netflix already streams WWE’s Monday Night Raw, which has helped establish a stable sports programming anchor and attract subscribers.