• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 29, 2025

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

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chiefs Exit Leaves Missouri With Arrowhead Demolition Dilemma

Missouri faces costly decisions as Arrowhead’s future hangs in limbo.
Dec 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Levi's Stadium.

NFL’s Week 18 Should Be a Ratings Win for Networks

The NFL remains nimble with its Week 18 scheduling.

Patriots Continue Makeover With First Post-Belichick Division Title

The 13–3 Patriots are in contention for the AFC’s top seed.

Sports Media Winners and Losers of 2025

Who was up and who was down in sports media this year?

Featured Today

Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.
December 14, 2025

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
exclusive

Gooch Getting LIV Extension, but Ownership Stake Unresolved

Gooch is becoming the new captain of the Smash GC team.
Jul 1, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; A general view out side of Citi Field. The game between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers was postponed due to impending weather.
December 29, 2025

Can the Mets Avoid 2025’s Spectacular Failure?

The team lost its four longest-tenured players in the offseason.
December 29, 2025

How a Famed Golf Course Architect Designs Holes for Tiger’s TGL

Gil Hanse is designing multiple holes for Season 2 of TGL.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.
December 28, 2025

DeChambeau Won’t Commit to LIV Future After Koepka’s ‘Shock’ Exit

Bryson DeChambeau’s LIV Golf contract expires after the 2026 season.
December 28, 2025

Biggest Questions Looming for 7 Leagues in 2026

Leagues are facing questions that will shape their impact going into 2026.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (left) and head coach Nick Sirianni celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome
December 27, 2025

From Record Super Bowl Ratings to WNBA CBA Talks: 2025 in Charts

Seven data visualizations that defined the business of sports in 2025.
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA Christmas Day logo during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center.
December 24, 2025

NBA Has Superior Slate Entering Christmas Face-Off With NFL

The NFL has scheduled Christmas games for six consecutive seasons.