Netflix Officially Hires Its First Sports Anchor

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Netflix, founded in 1997 and a streaming pioneer since 2007, is now making a big move to compete with other major streaming platforms. After gradually adding some sports content over the past 18 years, Netflix is poised to make a landmark deal that could significantly expand its sports offerings.

Netflix has hired Elle Duncan, formerly of ESPN, as its first dedicated on-air sports host. She’s signed a multi-year contract to host live sporting and cultural events, starting with Skyscraper Live in early 2026. This event will feature Alex Honnold attempting to free solo climb Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building.

Netflix Makes Major Bet With Sports Addition

Elle Duncan has previously worked on several ESPN shows, including SportsCenter, College GameDay, and WNBA Countdown. She recently hosted her final SportsCenter episode for the network and has since shared a statement about her move from ESPN to Netflix.

It feels amazing to join Netflix – it’s like being unexpectedly given control of the music at an already incredible party! As someone who’s always enjoyed a variety of interests, this opportunity feels like everything coming together. I’m thrilled to be trusted with such a unique project and I’m bringing a lot of enthusiasm, a passion for stories, and maybe a few unwanted (but inevitable) bad jokes.

She added with a laugh, “Plus, I heard this gets my kids a fast pass to meet the KPop Demon Hunters, so it’s a win-win!”

As a fan, I’m so excited to see Elle Duncan join Netflix! Gabe Spitzer, who heads up sports at Netflix, explained that Elle is a perfect fit because she’s amazing at switching between serious sports talk and more fun, personality-driven conversations about culture. He also said she’s going to bring instant credibility and a recognizable face to their sports programming worldwide, which is awesome!

Netflix Bolsters Its Commitment to Adding Even More Sports Content for 2026

Netflix, known for its movies and TV shows, is now increasingly offering live sports. It has already streamed events like NFL games, MLB matches, and the Women’s World Cup, positioning itself as a competitor in the sports streaming market. Netflix hopes to attract people who have canceled traditional cable but still want to watch live sports.

The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson last year gained a lot of attention, but many viewers experienced technical difficulties while trying to watch it online. Jake Paul ultimately won the fight by unanimous decision, and another match between the two is likely to happen soon.

The show began streaming on January 6th and was a significant win for Netflix, as several other streaming services and networks were also hoping to secure the rights to WWE content. Monday Night Raw gives Netflix a regular live sports offering, and is intended to attract new subscribers as it’s exclusively available on the platform.

This Christmas Day, Netflix will be the home for two NFL games. You can watch the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Commanders, followed by the Detroit Lions versus the Minnesota Vikings. The first game kicks off at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, and the second starts at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Plus, award-winning singer Kelly Clarkson will perform her popular Christmas song, “Underneath the Tree.”

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2025-12-18 21:36