Kelce Brothers Seeking $100 Million for Podcast
The Rise of NFL Player Podcasts
The NFL player podcasting space has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with a surge in popularity among current and former players. At the forefront of this burgeoning trend are the Kelce brothers, Travis and Jason, whose podcast “New Heights” has garnered significant attention and acclaim. Read more Kelce brothers seeking $100 million for podcast.
According to Anne Steele of the Wall Street Journal, as the Sports Business Journal reported, Kelces is now seeking a nine-figure deal—$100 million—to elevate its podcast to new heights. This ambitious ask underscores sports-related media ventures’ growing influence and commercial potential.
New Heights: A Breakout Success
Since its debut in September 2022, “New Heights” has made an indelible mark on the podcasting landscape. Hosted by Travis Kelce, the 34-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end, and his elder brother Jason Kelce, the 36-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles center, the podcast provides a unique lens into their lives on and off the field. The show quickly distinguished itself with engaging content, blending personal anecdotes with insightful commentary on the NFL and the broader football industry.
The success of “New Heights” is reflected in its accolades, including winning the Podcast of the Year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. The podcast has also attracted high-profile guests, such as rapper Lil Dicky and actor Paul Rudd, further cementing its appeal. The brothers’ genuine chemistry and candid discussions have resonated with listeners, contributing to the podcast’s popularity.
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Lucrative Brand Partnerships
Beyond their podcasting success, the Kelce brothers have leveraged their fame to forge lucrative brand partnerships. Jason Kelce’s endorsements include notable brands such as Campbell’s Soup, Old Spice, and Tide detergent. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce’s high-profile endorsements span significant companies like Nike, Amazon, L’Homme, Helzberg Diamonds, and Pfizer.
The brothers’ involvement in these endorsements highlights their substantial influence in the consumer market. Their association with these brands boosts brand visibility and capitalizes on their broad appeal and relatable personas. The Kelce brothers’ endorsements effectively bridge the gap between sports and consumer goods, demonstrating their impact on brand marketing and consumer engagement.
The Taylor Swift Effect
A significant factor driving the buzz around “New Heights” is Travis Kelce’s public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. This high-profile romance has captured the public’s imagination and intensified media scrutiny. According to The New York Times, Swift’s attendance at a Chiefs game substantially increased viewership, with networks averaging 25 million viewers in late Sunday and 16 million in early Sunday.
The “Taylor Swift Effect” has amplified the podcast’s visibility and attracted a new audience demographic, including a surge in female viewership. Swift’s influence has created a unique synergy between pop culture and sports, further fueling interest in the Kelce brothers’ media endeavors.
Viral Moments
The Kelce brothers have also made headlines with memorable viral moments that enhance their public profile. Jason Kelce’s Mummers costume during the Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl parade and Travis Kelce’s energetic Super Bowl parade speeches—such as his “fight for your right to party” and “know your role, jabroni” jab at the Cincinnati mayor—demonstrate their flair for creating memorable and entertaining content.
Another notable moment is Travis Kelce’s celebratory act of shotgun-chugging a can of Bud Light after receiving his diploma. These instances of charismatic public behavior resonate with fans and contribute to the Kelce brothers’ larger-than-life personas.
Venturing into the Beverage Industry
In addition to their podcasting and endorsement activities, the Kelce brothers have ventured into the beverage industry with their investment in Ohio-based Garage Beer Co. Although the financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, the partnership reflects the growing connection between beer and football culture.
Garage Beer Co., known for its 4% ABV lager, is expanding its reach across various U.S. states, including Ohio, Montana, and New Jersey. The brothers’ involvement with Garage Beer Co. underscores their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to capitalize on their sports fame in diverse business ventures.
Is the $100 Million Deal Worth It?
As the Kelce brothers seek a $100 million deal for “New Heights,” the question arises: Is the investment worth it? The podcast’s rapid rise, award-winning status, and ability to attract high-profile guests indicate its substantial commercial potential. The brothers’ strong brand presence and significant impact on consumer markets further bolster the case for the podcast’s value.
Moreover, the added influence of Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift and the podcast’s ability to generate viral moments contribute to its appeal. The podcast’s growing audience, strong endorsement partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures suggest that the Kelce brothers’ task may be justified.
“New Heights” has demonstrated impressive growth and marketability, making a compelling case for the $100 million deal. As the podcast continues to thrive and expand its influence, it stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of sports media and the increasing value of athlete-driven content.
