• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 2, 2026

NFL, Kelce At Odds On Taylor Swift Coverage

  • Travis Kelce says the NFL is overdoing the hype around his relationship with Taylor Swift.
  • Chiefs-Jets drew 27 million viewers on NBC with Swift in attendance.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Is there no such thing as too much publicity?

The relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has turned the NFL into a pop culture media circus since the pop superstar first attended the Kansas City Chiefs-Chicago Bears game at Arrowhead Stadium two weeks ago.

But after NBC cut away to Taylor Swift 17 times during the Chiefs-Jets “Sunday Night Football” broadcast and showed two commercials for her new movie, the man at the center of it all believes the hype may be getting too big.

“They’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation,” Kelce said on “New Heights,” the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. 

The Chiefs-Jets game drew 27 million viewers, making it the most-watched Sunday broadcast since Super Bowl LVII in February. NBC drew about 2 million more female viewers than its season average so far for “SNF.”

The Chiefs play at Minnesota on Sunday, then two more home games, and finally a matchup at Denver before Swift begins the international leg of The Eras Tour on Nov. 9. It remains to be seen whether she will attend any more of Kelce’s games this season.

Musical Chairs

The Swift-Kelce hype has already gotten so big that the NFL has had to defend its promotion of the relationship.

“The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news has been a pop cultural moment we’ve leaned into in real time, as it’s an intersection of sport and entertainment, and we’ve seen an incredible amount of positivity around the sport,” the league said in a statement.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL insider reporter

How Ian Rapoport, Daniel Jeremiah Fit in ESPN’s Plans

ESPN has high hopes for two of NFL Network’s biggest stars.
Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; NFL line judge Robin DeLorenzo (134) gestures during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fired Female NFL Ref Sues League for Unfair Treatment

Robin DeLorenzo is accusing the NFL of gender-based scrutiny.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) (not pictured) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

As Concussions Rise, NFL Shifts Focus to Face Masks

The league is looking to improve an oft-overlooked piece of equipment.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Business as Usual at NFL Network as ESPN Era Begins

There were no noticeable on-air changes for NFL Network on Wednesday.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
exclusive

Jones, Medcalf Leaders to Replace Clinton Yates on ESPN Radio

Jones and Medcalf currently host a Sunday morning ESPN Radio show.
April 2, 2026

Amazon Drags the Masters Into the Streaming Era

Prime Video’s coverage means more streaming, viewing hours, and on-air talent.
April 2, 2026

MLB’s Deals With Netflix and NBC Off to Strong Ratings Start

The audience figure formed part of a big opening week for the league. 
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
April 1, 2026

McAfee: Masters ‘Told Us to Go to Hell’ on Show Pitch—Three Times

McAfee is a fan of Jason Kelce’s role at Augusta National.
May 7, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino (0) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 1, 2026

Adam Ottavino Joins Revamped ESPN MLB Lineup

The 15-year MLB vet spent the past four seasons with the Mets.
April 1, 2026

Pegula, WTA Stars Eye Live Podcast Shows at Tournaments

The show hosted by Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys is growing.
March 31, 2026

NFL Seeks Buyers for 5 Games, Drops ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders

The league looks at several major changes to its upcoming broadcast schedule.