Since Taylor Swift first appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game nearly two years ago, the team has experienced a significant "Taylor Swift effect."
On Friday, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, discussed the impact of Swift’s relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.
USAToday reports Hunt stated that Swift’s presence has boosted the team’s female fanbase, shifting the male-to-female fan ratio from 50/50 to 57% female, likely the highest in the NFL.
The Chiefs’ connection with Swift began with her July 2023 Eras Tour performances at Arrowhead Stadium. Shortly after, Kelce shared on his New Heights podcast that he tried to give Swift a friendship bracelet with his number but couldn’t. By September 2023, Swift attended her first Chiefs game, opting for a “normal fan” experience with no extra security, simply entering through the front door, according to Hunt.
Since then, heightened security has accompanied her regular game appearances.
Apex Marketing estimated that Swift generated nearly $1 billion in publicity for the NFL from September 2023 to February 2025, with the Chiefs benefiting significantly. Kelce’s jersey sales surged 400% after Swift’s first game appearance, per Fanatics. Swift has attended 23 Chiefs games, including five playoff games and two Super Bowls, since their relationship began.
On Wednesday, Swift made her podcast debut on New Heights, discussing her relationship with Kelce and her new role as a Chiefs fan. The episode drew a record 1.3 million concurrent YouTube viewers during its premiere and has since amassed over 15 million views as of August 15, 2025, highlighting her massive influence on the team’s visibility and fanbase.