Pop star Taylor Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is drawing enormous attention. Her many fans speculate about whether she will attend a game and are disappointed when she doesn’t. Swift has been public in her support of her new beau. She may not know that much about NFL football, but she is invested in the games where he plays and celebrates his victories with him.
Impact on NFL viewership
When Swift attends a match, TV viewership soars. The divisional playoff game between the Buffalo Bills was an example of this. With the Chiefs headed to the Super Bowl, sports experts believe that it will be one of the most watched live events in history. In total, an average of almost 18 million people tuned in to watch NFL games this season. This was the highest average since 2015.
Sports betting has become extremely popular in the U.S. since legalization, and more people than ever are likely to place bets on who will win the upcoming Super Bowl.
Increase in women watching games
Since tracking started in 2000, regular season viewership among women has increased. Swift fans include women of all ages and members of the LGBTQ+ community. These fans are showing more interest in football. Girls are watching with their dads and rooting for Swift’s boyfriend.
Ticket and merchandise sales
The Chiefs and Bears were two very motivated sports teams when they took each other on in September 2023. Tickets for the game sold out within 24 hours. In the same month, sales of Travis Kelce Jerseys increased by 400%. The ticket prices for the upcoming Super Bowl are the most expensive in the history of the NFL. According to Apex Marketing Group, Swift has generated about $331 million in brand value for the Chiefs and the NFL.
A change to toxic masculinity associated with the NFL
Swift and Kelce obviously have great mutual respect. Kelce is humble enough to give her his support and isn’t threatened by her success. He isn’t afraid to express his feelings and celebrates his family. Apart from his football career, he hosts a popular podcast with his brother. Will Swift and Kelce’s relationship help to change the toxic masculinity often associated with the NFL?
Acts of violence against women have been an ongoing issue within the league. When accusations are levied against professional football players, they appear to rarely be held accountable.
Taylor Swift advocates for women and urges them to raise their voices. She has even inspired young women to register to vote. Perhaps the star and her ‘Swifties’ can help change attitudes in the NFL, too.
One of the most profitable years to date
Swift and her fans helped to ensure that the NFL had one of its most successful years in 2023. It’s exciting to see what’s ahead in the NFL schedule and speculate just how successful the NFL could be in the year ahead. The Super Bowl will kick off on Sunday 11th February, and the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers.
The Kansas City Chiefs is making its fourth appearance in five years. They appear to have good odds of winning this year at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kelce is in his 11th season in the NFL.
He hasn’t shown any lingering effects from an injury that caused him to sit out in Week 18. He has played all three play-off matches and should be fine for the Super Bowl. Swift won’t be singing, but she is likely to be in the stands cheering him on.