How Taylor Swift’s influence boosted Travis Kelce’s net worth to teammate Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce's brand value has just gone up a notch—or maybe more than a notch—as he now finds himself in the same net worth bracket as his superstar teammate Patrick Mahomes. And believe it or not, his girlfriend, global pop icon Taylor Swift, has a significant role to play in this sharp rise.

Swift and Kelce, who publicly confirmed their relationship in 2023, continue to grow stronger together, both personally and professionally. Their unwavering support for each other has made them one of the most talked-about celebrity couples today.

While Kelce has long been a dominant figure in the NFL, his pairing with Swift propelled his visibility into a completely new stratosphere. His achievements on the field have been exceptional, and his two-year $34.25 million deal with the Chiefs in August 2024 reflects just that. But what truly pushed his net worth from $40 million in October 2023 to nearly $90 million by mid-2025 is a blend of athletic excellence and something else—Swift’s massive cultural pull.

The Taylor Swift Effect

There’s no denying that Travis Kelce was already at the top of his game. But his relationship with Swift fast-tracked his journey to becoming a household name beyond just football circles. With Taylor Swift frequently attending NFL games, a new wave of viewers—especially young women—started tuning in, not just for the sport but to catch glimpses of the global superstar. This surge in attention made Chiefs games more lucrative for advertisers and made Kelce a marketer’s dream.

Brands took quick notice of his growing popularity. In 2023 alone, Kelce made a staggering $35 million from endorsements, signing deals with heavyweights like Bud Light, Nike, and Pfizer, with the latter reportedly offering him close to $20 million. These endorsements weren't just because of his on-field stats, but because of his newfound media magnetism fueled by Taylor Swift’s presence.

Travis Kelce’s off-field ventures also flourished. His podcast with brother Jason, “New Heights,” secured a $100 million deal with Amazon Wondery. He expanded his portfolio with appearances in shows, a movie alongside Kevin Hart, investments in wellness and beverage brands, and his own music and food event—Kelce Jam. But all of these initiatives gained amplified attention and reach after his relationship with Swift became public.

What’s more, Kelce’s social media presence exploded, with a reported 400% growth in followers, making him one of the most-searched athletes globally. Industry experts believe that Swift's global appeal has added an estimated $5 million annually to Kelce’s endorsement deals alone.

In short, while Travis Kelce’s talent laid the foundation for his success, his romance with Taylor Swift opened doors to a wider audience, stronger branding, and unmatched marketing opportunities—bringing him toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in terms of net worth and influence.