Elle Duncan, a longtime face of ESPN’s SportsCenter, is taking her on-air talents to new heights — literally. Duncan has joined Netflix as part of a multi-year deal, marking the streamer’s first partnership with an on-air anchor. Her first assignment will be hosting Skyscraper Live, a special in early 2026 featuring free solo climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan.
Duncan, who left ESPN earlier this week after an emotional farewell, will serve as a host across Netflix Sports and the company’s expanding lineup of live events. Her role signals the streamer’s growing investment in high-profile sports programming, as it looks to combine its global reach with recognizable broadcast talent.
“Joining Netflix feels like being invited to an already legendary party and somehow getting handed the aux cord,” Duncan said. “For a lifelong utility player, a multi-sport assignment is a full-circle moment, and being trusted with something this one-of-a-kind feels incredibly special and surreal. I’m bringing boundless energy, storytelling, and bad puns no one asked for but will be subjected to anyway. Also, I was told this fast-tracks my kids to meeting the K-Pop Demon Hunters, soooo…win-win.”
Duncan has built a decade-long career in sports media. She joined SportsCenter in 2016. She also hosted College GameDay Women’s Basketball, WNBA Countdown, and The Elle Duncan Show on YouTube. Before ESPN, she spent two years as an anchor at the New England Sports Network (NESN). Early in her career, she worked as a sideline reporter for the Atlanta Hawks.
Netflix executives see Duncan’s versatility as a major asset. “Elle Duncan’s proven ability to seamlessly move between hard-hitting sports analysis and warm, personality-driven cultural hosting makes her a perfect fit at Netflix,” said Gabe Spitzer, vice president of sports. “She immediately adds credibility and familiar star power to our global programming slate.”
Skyscraper Live is slated for early 2026 and will air exclusively on Netflix. Duncan’s presence as a familiar sports anchor is expected to attract traditional sports audiences. She may also draw new viewers intrigued by the high-stakes live eventt.
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