Elle Duncan aces first WNBA Finals trophy presentation as lead host for USA Sports

A first championship in San Francisco

For Duncan, the ceremony was her first time presenting a trophy as USA Sports’ lead host. She spent 12 minutes guiding the program, shifting between commentary and quieter moments that allowed others to speak.

Context and room to speak

After WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Gabby Williams Finals MVP, Duncan noted Williams’ scoring milestone: more points in a half than anyone in WNBA postseason history. Williams said she “wasn’t gonna lose on Halloween” and thanked the Bay.

Questions that told a story

Rather than rely on broad questions about becoming champions, Duncan asked players about details that connected the victory to their experiences. She also invited Williams to lead the crowd in a playful exchange about her favorite word and the possibility of making “chip” her new favorite.

Duncan’s questions and reporting helped turn the presentation into a storytelling opportunity while keeping its tone conversational and professional. The ceremony also recognized Kiah Stokes for recording 19 blocks in the Finals series.

Praise and a new role

Several people praised Duncan’s work. Robyn Millstein, the Phoenix Mercury’s director of brand and social strategy, commended her poise and command of the stage, while ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike wrote that Duncan “crushed it.” Duncan previously hosted WNBA Countdown with Ogwumike and Andraya Carter at ESPN, leaving the network last year to join Netflix’s live-sports push. USA Sports hired her in January as a studio host for its first season of WNBA coverage.