Streaming behemoth Netflix is making a significant play to bolster its live sports offerings, with reports indicating it is targeting a major coup: ESPN and Marquee Sports Network's rising star, Taylor McGregor.
Netflix's Push for Top Sports Talent
According to a report from Front Office Sports, Netflix is keen to sign McGregor as its next high-profile sports hire, following the acquisition of former ESPN anchor Elle Duncan. While a deal has not yet been finalised, sources indicate that Netflix is actively speaking to multiple talents from legacy sports TV networks as it builds its broadcasting team.
Taylor McGregor has rapidly become one of the most recognisable faces in American sports media. She is regularly seen on the sidelines for major college football games, interviewing coaches and players nationwide. Her role extends to Major League Baseball, where she holds a similar position, and she hosts programming for the Chicago-based Marquee Sports Network.
Contract Details and Broadcast Implications
Interestingly, McGregor's current contract with ESPN is believed to allow her to take on work with other networks, including Netflix. However, executives at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol are reportedly not enthusiastic about sharing their top talent with rival broadcasters.
If a deal is struck in time, McGregor would likely be a frontrunner to feature in Netflix's broadcast of MLB's Opening Night in March, which will see the New York Yankees travel to face the San Francisco Giants. This event is part of a substantial sports rights package Netflix secured in November, which also includes the MLB Home Run Derby and the 2026 Field of Dreams game. The streaming service is estimated to be paying around $50 million per year for these three events.
Netflix's Expanding Sports Ambitions
This move for McGregor underscores Netflix's serious commitment to live sports. The platform's portfolio is growing rapidly. Beyond baseball, it holds the exclusive US rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women's World Cup football tournaments and is deepening its involvement in boxing and WWE coverage.
The company's first major sports signing, Elle Duncan, is scheduled to make her Netflix debut later this month. She will host a two-hour live special called 'Skyscraper Live', featuring climber Alex Honnold's attempt to scale Taiwan's tallest building.
McGregor's potential defection would mark another significant step for Netflix as it transforms from a pure-play streaming service into a direct competitor for traditional sports broadcasters. Her high profile was recently showcased on New Year's Day, where she was front and centre covering the University of Miami's Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
