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NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce have inked a lucrative deal for their podcast "New Heights." The agreement, worth over $100 million according to Variety, transfers exclusive distribution rights to Amazon's Wondery network for the next three years.
The deal, set to commence on August 28, 2024, coinciding with the start of the new NFL season, grants Wondery global distribution rights for all audio and video episodes, including the show's back catalog. This strategic partnership aims to expand the podcast's reach and capitalize on its rapidly growing fanbase.
"We couldn't be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of 'New Heights,'" the Kelce brothers stated. "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'!"
The podcast's meteoric rise can be attributed to several factors, including the brothers' candid discussions about life in the NFL and their personal experiences. Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, acknowledged the influx of new football fans, particularly following his high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. "We do have a lot of new football fans coming in," Travis shared at the Cannes Lions festival in June 2024.
Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the Philadelphia Eagles after a stellar 13-year career, emphasized the podcast's role in bridging generational and gender gaps in sports fandom. "I love that we're getting more girls to get involved in a sport where previously there wasn't much interest," Jason remarked.
The deal's significance extends beyond its monetary value, as noted by Wondery CEO Jen Sargent: "'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 partnership comes at a pivotal moment for both Kelce brothers. While Jason transitions into retirement and his role as an ESPN analyst, Travis and the Chiefs are poised to pursue an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory in the upcoming season.
As "New Heights" enters its third season under this new agreement, fans can expect continued access across various platforms, including YouTube for video content. The Kelce brothers' unique blend of sports insight, humor, and cultural relevance positions the podcast for even greater success in the evolving digital media landscape.
