Jason and Travis Kelce, known for their successful football careers, are now making a name for themselves in the world of podcasting. Their podcast, “New Heights,” which debuted in September 2022, has quickly risen to the top of podcast charts on platforms like Apple and Spotify. The success of their show has caught the attention of media brands, with reports suggesting that the Kelce brothers are in talks for a potential lucrative deal.
The podcast industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with top podcasters commanding multimillion-dollar deals. For instance, Joe Rogan renewed his deal with Spotify for a reported $250 million, and the “SmartLess” podcast recently signed a $100 million deal with SiriusXM. The deep connection that Jason and Travis Kelce have with their audience is a major selling point for potential media partners. According to Eric Silver, head of development at Multitude, the relationship between podcasters and their audience is crucial in this industry.
The market for podcasters has shifted away from exclusivity in recent years. Previously, popular shows like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Call Her Daddy” were exclusive to specific platforms like Spotify. However, they are now available on all podcast platforms. Companies that would be interested in signing a deal with the Kelce brothers for “New Heights” would primarily focus on advertising revenue. They would offer a substantial amount of money upfront, such as $100 million, and retain most or all of the advertising and branding revenue generated by the show.
The popularity of “New Heights” received a boost when Travis Kelce started dating Taylor Swift last year. This development increased interest and drew more listeners to the podcast. Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, earned $81.7 million in salary throughout his career. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce, who currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, has earned $76.9 million in salary over his 10-year career. These figures do not include sponsorship and podcast earnings.
Although representatives for the Kelces did not comment on the potential deal, the success of “New Heights” and the brothers’ popularity make them strong contenders for a substantial payout. The podcasting world is becoming increasingly lucrative, with podcasters now being compared to free agents in the sports industry during contract negotiations. With the right deal, the Kelce brothers could join the ranks of top-earning podcasters and secure their status as future $100 million podcasters.
In a press conference announcing his retirement, Jason Kelce expressed his gratitude to the city of Philadelphia, his wife Kylie, and former coach Andy Reid. He reflected on his career, which included 193 regular-season games, seven Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl championship. Playing his entire career in one city was a dream come true for Jason Kelce, who couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
As the Kelce brothers transition from their football careers to the world of podcasting, the potential for them to become highly successful podcasters is apparent. With their existing popularity, deep connection with their audience, and the growing market for podcasts, it would come as no surprise if they secured a lucrative deal for “New Heights.” The future looks bright for Jason and Travis Kelce as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their careers.
