• Loading stock data...
Monday, July 7, 2025

Chiefs’ Star Power Boosts NFL Ratings and Player Merch Sales Surge

  • The Chiefs continue to draw record NFL audiences on TV.
  • Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Harrison Butker remain top of mind off the field.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs are 3–0 to start the season, and although Patrick Mahomes said they still need to play better, there’s no question Kansas City is driving more interest in the NFL than any other franchise at the moment. 

That’s coming from continued intrigue surrounding the Chiefs’ two-time MVP signal-caller, of course, but also their four-time All-Pro tight end who is dating a global icon, and even the team’s strong-legged, outspoken kicker. 

Must-See TV

Each of Kansas City’s first three games have set some sort of notable TV viewership record. 

Most recently, the Chiefs’ 22–17 victory over the Falcons was NBC’s most-watched Week 3 Sunday Night Football game, with 25.1 million viewers. 

That came after Chiefs-Bengals in Week 2 was the most-watched September NFL game on CBS since 1998, as 27.9 million people tuned in to the last-second 26–25 win over Cincinnati. And to open the season, Kansas City’s 27–20 victory over the Ravens drew a record NFL kickoff game audience of 28.9 million on NBC

On Sunday, CBS gets the Chiefs again as they visit the Chargers in the late-afternoon window.

Butker Still in Spotlight

Harrison Butker was responsible for the game-winning field goal against the Bengals, and he is 7-of-7 to start the season (although he has missed one extra point) after becoming the NFL’s highest-paid kicker this offseason thanks to a four-year, $26 million deal.

Last week, Butker became just the second placekicker to appear on the NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales List, which ranks all officially licensed, NFL player–branded merchandise sold from online and traditional retail outlets.

Butker placed 11th in sales from March 1 to May 31. He was one of four Chiefs players in the top 50, alongside Mahomes (second), Travis Kelce (12th), and running back Isiah Pacheco (32nd). Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kans., was made May 11. A more specific timeline of the jersey sales wasn’t revealed. 

The only other kicker to appear on the list is Evan McPherson, who ranked 36th in sales from March 1 to May 31, 2022, following a rise to stardom during the 2021 NFL playoffs thanks to several game-winning kicks. McPherson fell off the list the next quarter and did not place on that year-end tally, either.

Taylor Swift Effect for Kelce?

Kelce has caught only eight passes for 69 yards and no touchdowns through three games, but his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, attended the first two contests, reinforcing the added allure she brings to NFL broadcasts.

Has his relationship with Swift impacted his play, though? “Are we not allowed to say that he’s out of shape?” NFL analyst Todd McShay said on The Ryen Russillo Podcast. “That he’s been partying all offseason? He’s been jet-setting around with the most famous person, probably in the entire world.” Mahomes looks at it differently, though: “We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people are going to him.”

A contract extension this offseason gave Kelce the highest annual average salary among tight ends at $17 million. Off the field, Kelce and his brother, Jason, cashed in with a three-year, $100 million deal to sell the rights to their podcast, New Heights, to the Amazon-owned publisher Wondery.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Liverpool to Pay Diogo Jota’s $20M Contract to His Widow

Jota had two years remaining on his contract.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.