Travis Kelce Builds a Business Empire Beyond the Football Field
At 36, three‑time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce is doing far more than just catching passes for the Kansas City Chiefs. Off the football field, Kelce has begun constructing what’s becoming a diversified business empire—investing, hosting, building brands and launching ventures that look beyond his playing career. Recent moves suggest he’s positioning himself for a long‑term life in business and entertainment.
From Game Day to Growth: How Kelce Built Momentum
Kelce’s journey into business began while he was still active in the NFL. Instead of waiting until retirement, he leveraged his fame, network and marketability to launch ventures with the confidence of an athlete‑entrepreneur.
- His public profile has grown significantly since his relationship with Taylor Swift began in 2023 and their engagement in August 2025.
- Alongside his on‑field performance, these off‑field moves help boost his brand and broaden his scope.
- According to Forbes, his estimated net worth stands around $70 million—but it’s the assets and ventures behind the scenes that may define his next phase.
Key Pillars of the Empire
Here are some of Kelce’s major business moves and how they contribute to his evolving portfolio:
1. Podcasting: “New Heights”
In September 2022, Travis and his brother Jason Kelce launched the podcast New Heights, which has featured high‑profile guests including Brad Pitt, LeBron James and Taylor Swift.
- The podcast won “Podcast of the Year” at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards.
- In August 2024 they signed a three‑year deal with Wondery (Amazon’s podcast network) reportedly worth more than $100 million.
- This move both monetises Kelce’s personality and builds a media‑platform foundation beyond football.
2. Hospitality: 1587 Prime Steakhouse
Kelce partnered with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and fine‑dining brand Noble 33 to open the steakhouse 1587 Prime in Kansas City.
- Reservations began in August and were reportedly booked through late October.
- The venture aligns social status, local roots and a high‑end consumer experience—a smart play by both athletes.
3. Investment: Six Flags Theme Parks
In October 2025, Kelce announced via Instagram that he is partnering with hedge‑fund Jana Partners to invest in the theme‑park brand Six Flags
- Jana holds about 9% of Six Flags’ stock (worth about $200 million) and Kelce’s participation signals his desire for large‑scale, long‑term investments.
- The share price jumped nearly 18% on the news.
- This move marks a transition from personal brand extensions (podcast, restaurant) to major asset ownership.
Why This Strategy Works
Several factors make Kelce’s approach smart and sustainable:
- Brand leverage: His profile as one of the NFL’s most popular players gives him reach, credibility and access to premium partnerships.
- Diversification: Instead of relying solely on contracts/endorsements, he’s branching into media, hospitality and equity investments.
- Timing: By building now—while still active—he sets up future income streams that won’t depend on on‑field performance.
- Collaborations: Partnering with other credible players (Mahomes) and established brands/investors de‑risks the ventures and boosts legitimacy.
What’s Next: Potential Opportunities
Looking ahead, there are several paths Kelce could pursue as his business interests evolve:
- Expanding the restaurant concept into multiple cities or launching a hospitality brand.
- Developing multimedia content—TV, film, branded entertainment leveraging his podcast footprint.
- Building a dedicated investment vehicle or firm focused on sports/entertainment assets.
- Leveraging his personal brand into merchandise, lifestyle lines or further strategic acquisitions.
Conclusion
Travis Kelce’s business empire is no longer just a side project—it’s a strategic second act. Through media, hospitality and major investments, he’s constructing a foundation that stretches beyond the field. For athletes—and anyone thinking about career transitions—his model offers a blueprint: build while you’re at the top, diversify early, and use your brand power wisely.
