Jason and Travis Kelce Score Massive 'New Heights' Deal, Fans Credit 'Taylor Swift Effect'
Jason and Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast scored a major deal with Amazon, according to new reports, and fans are quick to brush it off as another example of the "Taylor Swift Effect."
Just one day before the podcast returns with its latest episode, Variety learned the Kelce brothers' podcast touched down with a deal and is partnering with Amazon’s Wondery. Sources familiar with the pact told the outlet that this new venture gives Wondery exclusive ad-sales and distribution rights for the next three years of the podcast and is said to be worth more than $100 million.
The Aug. 27 report suggested that the terms still allow for the podcast to be made available widely on all podcast services, including Wondery competitors like YouTube, but it also provides perks for Wondery+ subscribers, like ad-free listening. The deal also gives Wondery rights to develop, manufacture, license and distribute all merchandise based on New Heights, including new consumer products. Wave Sports + Entertainment will continue to provide production services for the podcast, per Variety.
After the news broke early Tuesday morning, people online joked that it was the Kansas City Chiefs tight end's relationship with the pop superstar that helped them score the incredible achievement.
"I mean he can’t break up with her now, right?" one X (formerly Twitter) user suggested. "Podcasts deals are as ridiculous as pro sports I guess."
A second quipped that today, they learned Amazon's podcast platform exists and that "Amazon realized the road to Taylor Swift is via Kelce."
Related: Fans Have Outlandish Theory About Why Taylor Swift’s Chiefs Game Appearances Are So Public
Meanwhile, a third complained about the "$100 million for a banal podcast where two hillbilly brothers talk about how they don’t wash their feet, all because 1 of them is dating taylor swift," and another critic of the move lamented, "Being associated with Taylor Swift has its privileges, that’s for sure. That’s the only way this happens."
"I know their podcast was already kinda popular," someone else shared. "But that was among football fans and you can't convince me they would get this deal if Travis wasn't dating Taylor."
But not all were willing to cite the 34-year-old's whirlwind romance as the deciding factor of the business deal, applauding the hosts for their talent and continued success.
"Their parents made some successful kids," one shared. "Their podcast is fun and their sibling banter reminds me of my own brothers."
"That’s a whole lotta cheddar. Much deserved," a second added. "Congrats to them!"
"Can’t remember who i already saw say this the other day, but wholeheartedly agree that killatrav seems to be allergic to not making money hell of a deal," another joked.
The two hosts at least acknowledge that some part of the three-time Super Bowl champ's relationship with the 14-time Grammy winner has played a role in their podcast's popularity, previously shouting out Swifties for helping them win an award and joking that they could "rig" a future one. The Chiefs star even was caught referencing the "Taylor Swift Effect" with fans.
Still, if the Kelce brothers weren't entertaining, no one would listen—Swifties included.
Next: Taylor Swift Fans Lose It Over Chiefs Social Media Taking 'Smallest Man Who Ever Lived' Literally
