Kelce Brothers Land Landmark Deal in Athlete-Led Podcasting
The Evolution of Athlete-Led Podcasts
The world of sports media is constantly changing. Athlete-led podcasts have become influential lately by giving fans unique insights into the lives and perspectives of their beloved players. Read Kelce brothers land landmark deal in athlete-led podcasting.
A notable event in this realm is the partnership agreement formed by Travis and Jason Kelce for their podcast New Heights to be featured on the Wondery network;. however, the financial details have yet to be revealed; it is speculated that the deal is worth nine figures.
The recent development not only cements the impact of the Kelce siblings in the realm of podcast production but also underscores the increasing phenomenon of athletes using their influence to craft engaging content that extends well beyond the boundaries of sports.
Wondery: A Platform for Storytelling
In 2016, Hernan Lopez founded the podcast network Wondery, renowned for its top-notch storytelling content, such as Dirty John and Dr. Death, which have swiftly captured the audience’s attention.
Further broadening its horizons was Amazon’s acquisition of Wondery in 2020, with its content now being seamlessly integrated into Amazon Music and Audible. Now that New Heights has been added to its collection of shows, Wondery is well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing interest in athlete content. This attraction has captured the attention of both sports enthusiasts and podcast fans.
New Heights: From NFL Commentary to Cultural Phenomenon
The Kelce siblings first launched New Heights to offer fans a peek into the world of NFL players’ lives. As time passed, the podcast transformed from a commentary space to a significant cultural presence, drawing in guests ranging from athletes to entertainment figures.
Its success is evident from winning “Podcast of the Year” at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards. The decision to transition to Wondery marks a progression in the show’s development since the podcast studio will take over ad sales and distribution for the brothers’ show, which is currently available on YouTube and Apple podcasts.
The Partnership with Wondery
In an announcement, the Kelce brothers shared their enthusiasm for the partnership with Wondery, saying,
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Wondery as we embark on the next chapter of New Heights. Our love for this show and the dedicated fanbase that has supported us through two seasons drives us forward with excitement and passion.”
They highlighted the alignment in vision with Wondery and expressed confidence in tapping into their expertise and resources to elevate the show to greater heights. Wondery’s CEO Jen Sargent shared a sentiment by emphasizing that New Heights may appear as just another sports podcast on the surface due to the popularity of sports content but has evolved into a cultural sensation deeply embedded in the zeitgeist.
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Athlete-Led Podcasts: A Growing Trend
This agreement benefits more than just the Kelce siblings. It also showcases the significant impact of athlete-led podcasts in today’s media world. The rise of athlete-hosted podcasts has been rapid and remarkable, particularly after witnessing several significant partnerships in the industry.
One notable example is the recent debut of the Get Got podcast, co-hosted by former NFL player Marshawn Lynch and veteran NFL Network presenter Michael Robinson, signaling another illustration of this growing trend. Through these podcasts, athletes can express their thoughts candidly and connect with fans by discussing various topics beyond their sport, from social issues to personal narratives.
The Rise of Athlete-Led Podcasts in the Sports Media Landscape
Texas A&M star Johnny “Money” Manziel is making a splash in the sports media scene these days! With his personality and unforgettable college football days in mind, Manziel recently hopped on board the Big Bets On Campus podcast by the Action Network as college football season approaches.
Per a press release from Better Collective, fans are eagerly awaiting Manziel’s debut on the podcast set for this Friday! His foray into podcasts highlights the increasing phenomenon of athletes shifting from sports to media platforms and leveraging their viewpoints to engage with viewers effectively.
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Launches Unapologetically Angel
Adding to the trend, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese has launched her podcast Unapologetically Angel. The podcast serves as a platform for Reese to share her unfiltered thoughts on basketball, her experiences, and the broader issues affecting athletes today.
Reese’s venture into podcasting highlights the growing influence of women in sports media and the demand for diverse voices in the industry.
A Shift in Sports Content Consumption
The rise in popularity of athlete-hosted podcasts mirrors the changing landscape of sports content consumption. During sports’ heyday, media coverage predominantly focused on game highlights and statistics.
However, a shift has occurred, with athlete-driven podcasts offering an element: genuine authenticity. Fans now crave more than the action on the field—they seek insights into athletes’ tales, struggles, triumphs, and evolution. Podcasts serve as a platform for this narrative-sharing approach, enabling athletes to forge deeper bonds with their audience through intimate storytelling.
The Future of Athlete-Led Podcasts
The Kelce brothers and Wondery partnership is poised to establish a benchmark for athlete-centered content creation. The substantial nine-digit deal underscores the significance of podcasts for networks, advertisers, and fans.
With a growing number of athletes embracing the influence of podcasting, we’ll likely witness a surge in figures venturing into this arena, resulting in a fusion of sports, enjoyment, and media.
A Turning Point in Sports Media
In sum, the Kelce siblings and Wondery partnership represents an important turning point for athlete-hosted podcasts, illustrating a growing need for content beyond conventional sports narratives to explore the personal and cultural dimensions of athletes’ experiences.
As this genre continues to expand—athlete-led podcasts are poised to emerge as a formidable presence in the sports media landscape—providing enthusiasts with a deeper and more multifaceted insight into the lives of their favorite athletes.
