Thursday, August 27, 2026
The FOS App Launches September 1 Pre-save on the App Store Today

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.

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

Aug 13, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; Detailed view of the NFL logo on the football during a joint scrimmage between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars during at Ochsner Sports Performance Center

NFL Won’t Reach Prediction-Market Deals Before Start of Season

“I would be incredibly shocked if anything at all happens this season.”
Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebackers Byron Young (0) and Jared Verse (8) pose during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

TV Ratings Help Explain Why the NFL Killed the Pro Bowl

Average viewership fell by 57% in one year and 70% in four years.

NFL Owners Remain Confident About Roger Goodell Extension

The owners did not discuss it Wednesday during their meeting.

Jed York Absent From NFL Owners’ Meeting

49ers CEO Al Guido was the team’s primary representative.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/27/26 – NFL Pro Bowl Eliminated, Walter Not Selling Dodgers, Jordan Skips NBC

0:00

Featured Today

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss
August 21, 2026

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
Aug 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the FedExCup Trophy before the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament

Good Good Golf Fallout Is Talk of Tour Championship

Major questions still remain for the brand and its partners.
August 26, 2026

NFL Eliminates Pro Bowl Game, Adds Player-Accountability System

Pro Bowl selections will still be made.
Exclusive
August 27, 2026

Union Head: NBA Players Have ‘Serious Problem’ With NBA Europe

Kelly also said the union is “no fan” of the second apron.
Sponsored

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
August 26, 2026

Another LIV Vendor Ramps Up Legal Fight As Layoffs Hit League

Deltatre, a sports technology service provider, is suing LIV.
August 26, 2026

Unrivaled Valued at $650M After Latest Funding, Players Own 30%

Unrivaled will move out of its Florida arena in 2028.
Aug 20, 2026; Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Rory McIlroy waves to the crowd after playing his shot off of the twelfth tee during the first round of the BMW Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
August 25, 2026

Rory McIlroy Backs ‘Big Swing’ Tour Championship Overhaul

The changes will come in the 2028 season.
Mar 14, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of an NHL logo on a jersey worn by a linesman during the third period at Bell Centre.
August 25, 2026

NHL Moving Closer to Expansion in Thriving Sun Belt Market

The league continues efforts toward a 33rd team, and maybe a 34th.