Friday, October 2, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

NFL’s Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact Through Merch Sales, Viewership

  • Taylor Swift’s appearance at the Chiefs game on Sunday is showing its value.
  • Travis Kelce, Fox beneficiaries of the pop star’s appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

It’s been two days since Taylor Swift took over the NFL’s coveted late-Sunday afternoon window by attending the Chicago Bears-Kansas City Chiefs game amid rumors she’s dating star tight end Travis Kelce.

Now, evidence is mounting that the pop star’s appearance at Arrowhead Stadium is positively impacting all parties involved.

The Fox broadcast of Chiefs-Bears, which drew 24.3 million viewers, was the most-watched game of the week and topped many key female demographic categories. While the overall number is down from the late-afternoon Week 3 window in 2022 — a Green Bay Packers’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drew 26.39 million viewers — Fox reportedly saw an increase in the female 12-17 demo, up 8.1% from Week 3 last year.

Data from Roku TVs shows that Chiefs-Bears earned a 63% increase in female viewers age 18-49 over the Chiefs-Jacksonville Jaguars game last week, which aired on CBS at 1 p.m. ET. 

The Chiefs’ next game this weekend is a “Sunday Night Football” matchup at the New York Jets — and Swift has a home in New York.

Kelce’s Spotlight

The affiliation with Swift is increasing interest in Kelce, too.

Fanatics saw a nearly 400% spike in the tight end’s jersey sales after Sunday’s game, making him a top-five seller in the NFL.

Meanwhile, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” — the podcast co-hosted by the star NFL brothers — currently ranks first on the Apple charts and fourth in Spotify’s rankings, where it’s also the top sports podcast.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.

NFL Brazil Game Nabs Record Audience

CBS said that the game averaged 24.9 million viewers.
First at FOS

DHS Leaves Video of Brian Dawkins Up Despite NFL Request

Two posts featuring Dawkins were still up Monday afternoon.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/2/26 – ‘Inside the NBA’ Expands, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Wemby Rejects Betting Deals

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
Sep 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (12), outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) and catcher Austin Wells (28) celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.

NBC Scored Record Viewership With MLB Wild Card Round

The initial wild-card games set a series of viewership milestones.
Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center
October 1, 2026

NHL Says Players in ‘Hot for Hockey’ Campaign Approved Content

The romance novel–inspired marketing effort has received mixed reviews.
A moose forages for food at Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
October 2, 2026

MLB Ends Grand Teton Game Talks After Wyoming Officials Object

The early-stage consideration generated heavy pushback.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 1, 2026

Napheesa Collier: ‘Haven’t Even Thought About’ Free Agency

Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Lynx in April.
Aug 2, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Jessica Pegula (USA) reacts after winning the first set against Alexandra Eala (PHI) (not pictured) during the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
October 1, 2026

WTA Announces Equal Pay for All Combined 1000 Events

Three of the seven combined events maintained a pay disparity this year.
Sep 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) talks to a referee after she went into the stands to confront a fan during game two of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
October 1, 2026

A’ja Wilson Avoids Further Penalty After Incident With Fever Fan

The Aces and Fever play a do-or-die Game 3 on Thursday night.
September 30, 2026

Extending WNBA Playoffs Would Cost Owners Up to $1 Million

The No. 1–seeded Lynx exited the playoffs after just two games.