Travis and Jason Kelce Sign $100 Million Podcast Deal with Amazon

Sponsored Ad

NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce have signed a major podcast deal with Amazon, reportedly worth $100 million (£75 million). The three-year agreement, announced Tuesday, gives Amazon's Wondery audio network exclusive multimedia rights to the brothers' popular "New Heights" podcast.

Launched in 2022, the "New Heights" podcast quickly gained traction, featuring the Kelce brothers discussing their lives, interviewing celebrity guests, and engaging in lighthearted banter that showcases their brotherly humor. The podcast's popularity has soared, culminating in it winning Podcast of the Year at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards.

Travis Kelce, 34, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, has also garnered additional fame as the boyfriend of pop superstar Taylor Swift. His older brother Jason, 36, recently retired after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and has transitioned into a role as an analyst with ESPN.

The deal with Wondery reflects the booming popularity of both sports podcasts and the medium in general. According to Nielsen's recent analysis, podcast listenership in the U.S. has surged by 45% over the past five years, with 183 million Americans now tuning in. This trend is mirrored in the UK, where podcast ad revenue has spiked, contributing to a global market worth billions.

Wondery CEO Jen Sargent highlighted the cultural impact of "New Heights," stating, "On the surface, it's a sports podcast, but it has become a cultural phenomenon. They're part of the zeitgeist."

The Kelces' deal with Wondery follows similar high-profile podcast agreements, including comedian Dax Shepard's recent partnership with the company. Other notable podcast deals include Joe Rogan's $100 million contract with Spotify and Alex Cooper's agreement with Sirius FM.

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly prefer them over traditional television, the Kelce brothers' new deal positions them at the forefront of this evolving media landscape. The third season of "New Heights" is highly anticipated, and the brothers expressed their excitement about the future under their new partnership with Wondery.