He has benefited from the “Taylor Swift effect”
Travis Kelce, known for his impressive performances on the football field, is currently making waves off the gridiron, possibly due to the “Swiftie effect.” The romantic link between the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and pop sensation Taylor Swift has ignited a frenzy, with Swift spotted cheering on Kelce’s team at Arrowhead Stadium alongside his mother Donna.
The relationship have led to a surge in Kelce’s popularity and financial gains. According to data from SocialBlade, Kelce has gained over half a million Instagram followers in just a few days following Swift’s appearance in one of his games.
Sales of Kelce merchandise soared by 400% on Fanatics’ network of sites, making him one of the top five sellers of the weekend. Additionally, his podcast “New Heights” with his brother has climbed to the number one spot on Apple Podcasts.
Sports marketing analyst Bob Dorfman noted, “Kelce was already one of football’s most successful endorsers before his hot romance, but now he’s sizzling hot – swiftly grabbing the attention and buying power of a whole new fan base and demographic.”
Brand partnerships and business ventures
Travis Kelce‘s financial success extends well beyond the football field, with an estimated $5 million earned through major endorsement deals, a figure that could potentially double given his escalating popularity.
Kelce’s impressive roster of corporate sponsors features industry giants such as Nike (NKE), Bud Light, and State Farm. His diverse collaborations include a partnership with Pfizer (PFE), and consumer credit company Experian (EXPGY) tapped Kelce for a campaign highlighting its new digital checking account.
Beyond endorsements, Kelce has demonstrated a keen eye for strategic investments and business ventures. His involvement in the hot sauce brand Cholula proved lucrative when it was acquired by food giant McCormick (MKC) for a staggering $800 million in 2020. As of October 2023, Kelce has expanded his portfolio to include a stake in the Formula One racing team, Alpine.
Teaming up with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce, along with a group of investors that includes Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured a 24% stake in the F1 team in June 2023, amounting to an impressive $218 million (200 million euros).
Kelce’s investments span various industries, from at-home fitness with the rowing machine startup Hydrow, which raised $255 million in funding last year, to ventures in tequila (Casa Azul), sports lifestyle and entertainment content (PlayersTV), menswear (Indochino), and truck accessories (RealTruck).
In addition to these ventures, Kelce has established his own brands, including Hilo Gummies, a line of nutritional supplements launched in 2019 where he serves as Chief of Performance, and Tru Kolors, his sportswear brand. These diverse business endeavors showcase Kelce’s multifaceted approach to success beyond the football arena.
