TAYLOR Swift has transformed herself into an incredible money-making machine – and she’s taking the Kansas City Chiefs along for the ride.
Two NFL executives have spoken to The U.S. Sun about the effect the presence of the Cruel Summer singer has on the Chiefs’ finances and how the franchise has been benefitting from all the added exposure.
Taylor Swift has triggered a massive revenue boost for the Kansas City ChiefsCredit: AP
Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce has boosted TV numbers and merch salesCredit: AP
Both executives have been left staggered, not only with the increase in TV figures which has catapulted them into the top three teams in the NFL ratings war but also the increase in merchandising revenue.
The TV numbers, according to the insiders, have grown 18% every time the singer has attended one of boyfriend Travis Kelce’s games.
Traditionally, the Dallas Cowboys have led the way, but the reigning Super Bowl champs are snapping at their heels.
“That is insane,” said the source who added that jersey sales have increased by an impressive 20% this season, which can be estimated at around $30 million in extra cash.
Kelce shirts, meanwhile, are flying off the shelves – in recent weeks 15,000 were sold on various platforms, 2,000 of the sales coming on matchdays.
“Knowing that Travis sold at the maximum 400-500 jerseys a week last season, those numbers are going through the roof,” continued the NFL business expert who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“Patrick Mahomes is the No. 1 in the league with Jalen Hurts on the jersey sale list, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kelce’s jersey reaches the same number soon, especially if Chiefs win the Super Bowl.”
NFL purists up and down the country may squirm every time the TV cameras pan to the singer, but simply by being at the games, Taylor is helping promote the League like never before – and that’s all happening for free.
The source claimed her effect on a sporting institution is akin to Shakira bringing Barcelona’s soccer team into the gaze of her adoring fanbase when she was dating Spanish player Gerard Pique.
“We will get the season numbers after the Super Bowl, but if the Chiefs win for example, it’s expected to be more than up to $150 million would be generated by Taylor Swift’s presence and being, clearly, the new ambassador of the Kansas City Chiefs fanbase not only in the United States, but worldwide.”
Another insider, who specializes in merchandising and new markets, pointed out sales of women’s Chief’s apparel have also skyrocketed, with $150,000 worth of jerseys, T-shirts, and hoodies further boosting the bank balance.
Women’s sizes and styles are being snapped up which, says the source, has “never been seen for a football player ever.”
“There’s clearly a huge Swifties fan base rising to support Taylor’s boyfriend,” he said.
“Kelce’s items in women’s size are one of the most sold in the US sports, alongside LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the NBA, and guys like Ohtani in the MLB. That is a massive wave rising and growing of women’s fan base, who are Swifites clearly, who are turning into Travis Kelce’s fans too.”
Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has worked hard to expand the NFL into overseas markets, will also be delighted to hear sales of Chiefs items all over the globe have also increased, with a notable surge in purchases in places such as England, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and France.
And, yet another knock-on effect for the Chiefs, is the amount of sponsors now desperate for a slice of the Swift-Kelce action.
While companies like Sony, Oakley, Draft Kings, EA Sports, and Gatorade are all part of a sponsorship group that totals around 80, many more are now knocking at the door.
The source claims “tons” of interested parties have approached the front office recently, many offering between $30 million to $40 million a year to become involved.
“The Chiefs are already a franchise that makes a lot of money because of their titles and wins, but it’s about to be turning into a gold mine with Taylor Swift’s effect,” he stressed.
“She will help them and the NFL as a whole makes hundreds of millions of dollars. In fact, I think that it will reach more than half a billion dollars between this season and the next one just because she dates Travis Kelce and goes the Chiefs games.
“It’s unbelievable.”
An NFL executive estimates Swift brought $150 million in revenue to the ChiefsCredit: 2023 Getty Images
Sponsors like Gatorade are reportedly desperate to get in on the Kelce-Swift crazeCredit: AP