Kelce Brothers Score $100M Deal with Amazon's Wondery to Elevate Their Podcast Game

In a significant move that underscores the growing influence of athlete-driven content in the media landscape, NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce have secured a monumental deal with Amazon's podcast network, Wondery. The agreement, valued at over $100 million, positions their popular podcast "New Heights" as a cornerstone of Wondery's audio offerings, set to launch with its third season starting Wednesday. The Kelce brothers have established themselves as not only icons on the football field, with combined career earnings exceeding $155 million, but also as formidable figures in the media landscape. Their podcast, which explores life in the NFL and personal anecdotes, has captivated a substantial audience. According to Edison Research, "New Heights" ranked as the fourth-largest podcast in the United States for the first quarter of 2024, marking its highest position to date. The new partnership with Wondery grants the network exclusive rights to ad sales and distribution for the podcast. It also promises early and ad-free access to episodes for Wondery+ subscribers, amplifying the listening experience for dedicated fans. In a joint statement, the Kelce brothers expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Wondery's shared vision and resources that will enable them to elevate their show even further. "We are thrilled to start Season 3 -- see you soon, 92%ers!" they declared, referencing their loyal fans. The decision to join forces with Wondery comes at a pivotal time for sports podcasts. As athlete-led shows gain traction, the Kelces' unique position—Travis currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason a recent retiree from the Philadelphia Eagles—positions them well to tap into the zeitgeist of NFL fandom, particularly with Travis’ heightened celebrity status due to his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift. Wondery is banking on the cultural relevance of the Kelce brothers to drive the podcast's success. With plans to translate "New Heights" into multiple languages, the network aims to broaden its audience reach, particularly in NFL-popular markets like the United Kingdom and Mexico—a strategic move that could fill a gap for international fans eager for NFL content. The Kelces' podcast not only serves as entertainment but also as a communal space for listeners, a vital aspect of successful sports podcasts. As Wondery embraces this community-driven approach, it will be intriguing to see how they leverage Travis' ongoing NFL career to maximize the podcast's growth potential before he ultimately retires. As the landscape of sports media continues to evolve, the Kelce brothers are positioned at the forefront, merging their on-field prowess with off-field ventures to redefine what it means to be a contemporary athlete and entertainer. With "New Heights" now under the Wondery umbrella, the possibilities for innovative content and deeper fan engagement are boundless.