Monday, October 5, 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

LeBron’s Fanatics Deal Includes Helicopter Use

The helicopter has repeatedly gone between NYC and Philly.
Opinion

Tony Romo Had an Enormous Impact on NFL TV

The “Romo Effect” will be felt for years to come.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Gronk about Sports Betting, Tom Brady & More

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

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.
Feb 9, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; A LIV Golf sign is observed prior to the second round of the LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament at Las Vegas Country Club.

LIV Readies for Next Phase of Bankruptcy

The Chapter 11 case is playing out in New Jersey.
October 3, 2026

NFL Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fines Way Down in Week 3

Only 5 players were fined, compared to 13 after Week 2.
Apr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center.
First at FOS
October 5, 2026

NHL ‘Hot for Hockey’ Audio Shorts Campaign Is Done

The league says it was meant to be a one-week-only campaign.
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.
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; A tifo featuring images of
First at FOS
October 2, 2026

NFL, NFLPA Yet to Hold Real Talks on More Games Abroad

The CBA requires consultation with the union.
Feb 9, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York at the Super Bowl LX host committee handoff press conference at Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
October 2, 2026

NFL Suspends Jed York 6 Games After Prostitution Sting Arrest

The 49ers owner was also fined $500,000.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
October 2, 2026

Sean McVay’s Comments About Call Raise Questions About NFL Policy

Discussions between teams and the NFL are not always treated as confidential.
October 2, 2026

WNBA Faces Ratings Test Without Caitlin Clark, Fever

Indiana was eliminated from the playoffs Thursday by the Las Vegas Aces.