Taylor Swift’s presence at NFL games has contributed to a "pretty significant" increase in the Kansas City Chiefs’ fan base, according to the team’s owner. The 35-year-old pop sensation has been a regular at Chiefs games, supporting her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. As she prepares to cheer him on at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the team’s owner, Clark Hunt, has credited her for a noticeable surge in new supporters.
Speaking to CNBC Sports on Thursday, Hunt stated, "I think we had something like a 30 percent growth in our fan base, which is pretty significant, even for a team that won the Super Bowl. So you definitely have to give Taylor a little bit of credit for that."
Young Female Fans Join the Chiefs Kingdom
Hunt observed that the Chiefs have seen a "big leap forward" in attracting younger female fans, a trend that aligns with Swift's global influence. The 2024-2025 football season has also witnessed record-breaking viewership, and Hunt acknowledged, "I think Taylor's a little bit a part of that."
Swift’s relationship with Kelce, which began during the 2023-2024 season, has kept her in the spotlight at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Her support extended to last year’s Super Bowl, where the Chiefs triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers in a 25-22 victory.
Chiefs' Owner and Heiress Speak on Swift’s Impact
Clark Hunt has previously expressed appreciation for Swift’s connection with the team. During an event for Athletes in Action in Ohio last June, he remarked, "We're so happy for Travis and Taylor—what a great couple." He also affirmed that Swift is "absolutely" part of the Chiefs Kingdom, describing her involvement as a "great storyline."
The team owner's daughter, Gracie Hunt, has also acknowledged Swift’s influence on the franchise. Speaking to People in January, she said, "It's been such a special time to have her be a part of Chiefs Kingdom. She is just as beautiful and wonderful as you'd ever imagine her to be—so smart and intelligent."
Public Reactions to Swift’s NFL Appearances
Swift’s appearances at games have drawn large crowds, with many fans eager to catch a glimpse of the superstar. However, not everyone is thrilled by the overwhelming attention. Social media users have shared mixed reactions, with some criticizing the fan frenzy.
Some fans also voiced concerns over privacy, with one stating, "Why won't people respect her privacy? For paparazzi, I understand it's a job, and to be honest, I like seeing pics of Tay out and about, but Swifties being there is unnecessary." Another questioned, "Why are people crowding them again? It's been a while since that happened."
Swift’s Ever-Growing Influence
Despite the divided opinions, there is no denying that Swift’s presence has played a role in expanding the Kansas City Chiefs' audience. With her continued support for Kelce and her high-profile appearances, her impact on the NFL and the Chiefs' fan base remains undeniable.