The viral claim that ESPN has fired anchor Elle Duncan and plans to sue her for spreading false information is false. This appears to be a fabricated story stemming from misinformation campaigns, including YouTube videos and social media posts that have circulated since early 2025. Multiple credible sources confirm Duncan is not fired and remains employed by ESPN, with recent reports indicating she is transitioning to a new role at Netflix while potentially continuing some ESPN work.
Background on the Rumor
The hoax originated from a February 2025 YouTube video titled “ESPN FIRES Elle Duncan After MAKING DISRESPECTFUL Statements AGAINST Caitlin Clark,” published by a channel called “Cait Hoops.” The video falsely claimed Duncan was terminated for comments about WNBA star Caitlin Clark, alleging jealousy or bias. It garnered thousands of views and comments before fact-checkers debunked it. Similar videos resurfaced in May and November 2025, amplifying the narrative without evidence.
Duncan, 42, is a prominent ESPN anchor who co-hosts the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter and leads women’s basketball coverage, including the WNBA Finals and College GameDay. She has been with ESPN since 2016 and re-signed a multi-year deal in August 2021.
ESPN’s Official Position and Duncan’s Status
- No Termination: ESPN has not announced or confirmed any firing of Duncan. In fact, as of November 25, 2025, The Athletic reported that Duncan is leaving ESPN to become the “face” of Netflix’s sports programming, with her current contract ending December 31, 2025. Sources indicate a “substantial raise” and reduced workload at Netflix, and there is “no animosity” between Duncan and ESPN leadership, including Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
- Potential Ongoing Role: Discussions are underway for Duncan to continue ESPN’s women’s basketball coverage post-transition, such as hosting the WNBA Finals or College GameDay editions.
- No Lawsuit: There is zero evidence of ESPN planning legal action against Duncan. The network has not issued any statements on defamation, breaches, or suits related to her. Claims of “editorial standards violations” or “false information” are unsubstantiated and trace back to the debunked videos.
The Caitlin Clark Controversy Context
The rumor ties into Duncan’s May 2024 SportsCenter comments praising Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA while noting the league’s pre-Clark excellence (“The WNBA was fine before Caitlin Clark”). This sparked backlash from some fans accusing her of downplaying Clark, but it was not “disrespectful” or false—Duncan clarified it as celebrating the league’s foundation. ESPN did not discipline her, and the segment remains online. Fact-checkers like Venues Today (May 30, 2025) confirmed the firing claim as “blatantly false,” noting Duncan continued hosting without interruption.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
This hoax exemplifies ongoing misinformation targeting female sports journalists, often amplified by gender biases in online discourse. Duncan has been a trailblazer as a Black woman in sports media, earning praise for her versatility and advocacy. Her Netflix move is seen as a positive step, positioning her as a key voice in the streaming giant’s expanding sports slate (e.g., NFL Christmas games, WNBA coverage).
Public response to the rumor was swift and supportive:
- Fans rallied with #StandWithElle, decrying the “baseless bullying.”
- Colleagues like Mina Kimes tweeted: “Elle’s integrity is unmatched—this is pure fiction.”
- The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand noted the story’s spread as “a sad sign of how rumors run rampant in sports media.”
Duncan has not publicly addressed the hoax, focusing on her career transition. ESPN, known for protecting talent, has remained silent, letting facts prevail.
Conclusion
ESPN has not fired Elle Duncan, nor does it plan to sue her. She is concluding her ESPN tenure amicably to join Netflix, potentially with continued ESPN collaborations. This story is a classic case of viral falsehood—debunked repeatedly since 2024. For accurate updates on Duncan’s career, follow reliable sources like The Athletic or ESPN’s official channels. If new developments emerge, we’ll report them factually.
