• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 9, 2026

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

Panthers Embracing ‘Chaos’ As 8-Year NFL Playoff Drought Ends

Carolina has won its first division title since 2015.
Brian Flores

NFL Asks Supreme Court to Take Up Arbitration Case Against Flores

The league wants the discrimination lawsuit to stay out of court.

NFL Coach and GM Tracker: 25% of Teams Searching for New Coaches

Eight NFL teams are in the midst of head coaching searches.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
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
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Napheesa Collier
exclusive
January 7, 2026

WNBA Hasn’t Countered Players’ Latest Offer As Deadline Closes In

The deadline for the sides to reach a labor deal is Friday.
May 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Flag holders unfold the American flag prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.
January 8, 2026

MLB Launches Leaguewide Push for America’s 250th Anniversary

Commemorations of the nation’s founding will involve every league department.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Christian Pulisic
January 7, 2026

FIFA’s $60 World Cup Tickets Come With a Major Catch

Only members of American Outlaws, Barra 76, and Sammers are eligible.
January 7, 2026

PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague Quits After Just a Year

Sprague cited the need to help support his family in New York.
Jan 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) and Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) celebrate during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena.
January 7, 2026

Winning Gets in the Way of Wizards, Nets Tank Jobs

The NBA recently floated rule changes to curb tanking.
Dec 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half at the TD Garden.
January 6, 2026

Celtics Contending Again Despite Cutting $300M in Projected Salary

Jayson Tatum has not been ruled out for the 2025–26 season.