Brothers Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce have indeed reached "New Heights" with their podcast, signing a deal with Amazon's Wondery that is reportedly worth more than $100 million over three years. The deal, announced Tuesday, gives exclusive ad sales and distribution rights to Wondery. "We couldn't be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of New Heights," Travis and Jason Kelce said in a statement. "We love this show, and the fanbase that has grown with us over the last two seasons. Wondery understands the shared vision and will offer a wealth of experience and resources to take us to New Heights! We are going to create some groundbreaking moments together through this partnership. We are thrilled to start Season 3 -- see you soon, 92%ers!" The deal begins with this week's episode, which drops Wednesday. It includes the back catalog of podcast content along with exclusive rights to monetize and distribute audio and video episodes. The Kelce brothers began the podcast prior to the 2022 season, discussing life on and off the football field as well as interviewing celebrity guests. "New Heights" has won multiple awards, including Podcast of the Year at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The partnership is another major move for Wondery, a company that has been making waves in the podcasting world. The deal is similar in structure to the $80 million pact it announced with comedian and podcaster Dax Shepard last month. Wondery CEO Jen Sargent, highlighting the impact of the Kelce brothers' podcast, said, "'New Heights' on the surface is a sports podcast, and sports is such a well-listened-to category. But it's become a cultural phenomenon -- they're in that cultural zeitgeist." This statement underscores the growing influence of podcasts in today's media landscape and the potential for such shows to transcend traditional genre boundaries, reaching a broader audience. The Kelce brothers, through their candid conversations and engaging personalities, have managed to attract a wide range of listeners, solidifying their position as cultural icons beyond the realm of sports.
Beyond the Gridiron
The success of "New Heights" is a testament to the Kelce brothers' charisma and their ability to connect with audiences beyond their football careers. Travis Kelce, known for his on-field prowess and his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, has become a popular figure in entertainment. His off-field ventures include hosting a 20-episode game show for Amazon Prime Video called "Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?" and starring in an action-comedy, "Loose Canons". Jason Kelce, after retiring from the Philadelphia Eagles following a 13-year career, signed on as a commentator for ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" pregame show. The brothers' foray into media outside of sports has further amplified their public image, showcasing their diverse talents and interests. This move highlights the growing trend of athletes venturing into entertainment and the increasing blurring of lines between sports and entertainment.
A Winning Formula
The Kelce brothers' podcast deal with Wondery is a testament to their burgeoning media empire and their ability to capitalize on their popularity. The deal, worth more than $100 million, highlights the increasing value of podcasting and the potential for athletes to leverage their fame and influence beyond the traditional sports world. The partnership, which includes exclusive ad sales and distribution rights for Wondery, reflects the growing influence of podcasts in the media landscape and their potential to generate substantial revenue. The success of the "New Heights" podcast, coupled with the brothers' various media endeavors, solidifies their position as cultural icons and showcases the growing trend of athletes transitioning into the entertainment industry. Their ability to connect with a wide audience and engage in diverse projects demonstrates their versatility and entrepreneurial spirit, paving the way for future athletes seeking to expand their reach beyond the confines of sports.
