Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce isn’t just known for his impressive plays on the field and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift; he’s also a savvy businessman building an impressive financial empire. So, How Much Does Travis Kelce Make? The answer is multifaceted, stemming from his lucrative NFL career, numerous endorsements, and strategic investments. As of 2024, Kelce stands as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, but his income streams extend far beyond his football salary.
Travis Kelce’s NFL Salary: A Tight End at the Top of His Game
Travis Kelce’s primary source of income is undoubtedly his NFL contract. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, Kelce has consistently proven himself as one of the league’s best tight ends. His on-field performance has translated into significant earnings. In 2020, Kelce signed a 4-year, $57.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs, averaging a substantial $14 million annually, according to Spotrac. Demonstrating his continued value to the team, Kelce further solidified his financial standing in 2024 by signing a new two-year $34.2 million deal. This latest contract boosts his average yearly salary to $17 million, officially crowning him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. This impressive salary reflects his critical role in the Chiefs’ offensive strategy and his consistent Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
Alt text: Travis Kelce on the field in his Kansas City Chiefs uniform, highlighting his NFL earnings as the highest-paid tight end.
Beyond the Field: Lucrative Brand Partnerships
While his NFL salary is substantial, how much does Travis Kelce make outside of football? A significant portion of Kelce’s income comes from lucrative endorsement deals. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, Forbes estimates Kelce earned a staggering $35 million off the field through various brand partnerships. His celebrity status, amplified by his connection with Taylor Swift, has made him a highly sought-after face for major brands.
Kelce’s endorsement portfolio boasts partnerships with industry giants such as Nike, Bud Light, and State Farm. These long-term collaborations provide a steady stream of income and align him with well-established and recognizable brands. Furthermore, Kelce has ventured into endorsements with companies like Pfizer, promoting their two-in-one flu shot and COVID booster, and Experian, advocating for their digital checking account. These diverse partnerships showcase his broad appeal and ability to connect with different consumer demographics. Adding a familial touch to his endorsements, Kelce also appears in commercials alongside his brother Jason Kelce, including a notable Campbell Soup ad featuring their mother, Donna Kelce. These family-oriented ads resonate with a wide audience and further enhance his brand image.
Alt text: Travis Kelce smiling in a State Farm commercial, representing his diverse brand endorsements and off-field earnings.
Travis Kelce’s Business Empire and Smart Investments
Delving deeper into how much Travis Kelce makes, it’s essential to consider his business ventures and strategic investments. Kelce isn’t simply spending his earnings; he’s actively growing his wealth through smart financial decisions. One early investment that paid off handsomely was in Cholula Hot Sauce. As part of a group of investors, Kelce likely saw a significant return when McCormick acquired Cholula for $800 million in 2020.
Expanding his investment portfolio, Kelce has ventured into the world of Formula One racing. He joined Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other investors in acquiring a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team in 2023, a deal valued at approximately $218 million. This move demonstrates his interest in diverse investment opportunities beyond traditional sports endorsements. Furthermore, Kelce has invested in Hydrow, a home rowing machine startup, showcasing his support for innovative fitness technology. His investment portfolio also includes tequila brand Casa Azul, sports content platform PlayersTV, menswear brand Indochino, and truck accessories company RealTruck, highlighting his diversified interests and business acumen.
Beyond external investments, Kelce has also launched his own businesses. Hilo Gummies, a nutritional supplement line where he serves as Chief of Performance, represents his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in the health and wellness sector. Additionally, his sportswear brand Tru Kolors allows him to tap into the fashion and apparel market. Finally, and perhaps most notably in recent news, Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce co-host the immensely popular “New Heights” podcast. In August 2024, the Kelce brothers signed a substantial three-year ad-sales and distribution deal with Amazon’s Wondery for their podcast, reportedly worth over $100 million. This podcast deal alone significantly contributes to how much Travis Kelce makes annually and underscores his growing influence in media and entertainment.
Alt text: Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce hosting their “New Heights” podcast, illustrating their business ventures and media earnings.
In conclusion, pinpointing exactly how much Travis Kelce makes is complex due to his varied income streams. However, it’s clear that his earnings are substantial and multifaceted. From his multi-million dollar NFL salary as the highest-paid tight end, to his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, and his savvy investments and business ventures like the “New Heights” podcast, Travis Kelce has built an impressive financial portfolio. His estimated net worth of $90 million is a testament to his on-field talent, off-field business acumen, and growing brand power, making him one of the highest-earning and most marketable athletes in the NFL today.
