In a major move for the podcasting industry, the Kelce brothers have secured a monumental deal with Amazon’s podcast network, Wondery. The partnership, announced on Tuesday, August 27, marks a new chapter for the popular podcast New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. The deal, reportedly valued at over $100 million, will see the show become a flagship property for Wondery, which will handle exclusive ad sales and distribution for the podcast.
What’s the Deal?
Jason Kelce, 36, and Travis Kelce, 34, have signed a groundbreaking three-year agreement with Wondery, making it the exclusive home for their widely acclaimed podcast. This move comes after the podcast’s impressive run on platforms like YouTube and Apple Podcasts. With the new deal, Wondery+ subscribers will enjoy early access and ad-free episodes of New Heights. The deal represents one of the largest financial commitments in the podcasting world, underscoring the Kelce brothers’ significant influence and popularity in the media space.
The Kelce brothers expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership in a joint statement, saying, “We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of New Heights. We love this show, and the fanbase that has grown with us over the last two seasons.” They further added, “Wondery understands the shared vision and will offer a wealth of experience and resources to take us to new heights! We are going to create some groundbreaking moments together through this partnership. We are thrilled to start Season 3 — see you soon, 92%ers!”
A Record-Breaking Podcast
New Heights has seen a meteoric rise since its debut in September 2022. The podcast, which provides a unique blend of humor, sports commentary, and personal insights from the Kelce brothers, has become a major player in the podcasting arena. Data from Edison Research highlights the show’s impressive performance, ranking as the fourth-biggest podcast in the United States for the first quarter of 2024—its highest-ever ranking.
The brothers have leveraged their high profiles and insider knowledge to offer fans an engaging look at the NFL and their lives both on and off the field. The podcast’s popularity surged even further following Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which attracted a new wave of listeners eager for updates about the couple.
Industry Reaction and Impact
The podcasting industry has taken note of this significant deal. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the Kelce brothers’ podcast was expected to command a deal of this magnitude due to its profitability. “They will absolutely get that much. These aren’t vanity deals; these shows are cash machines,” the source told PEOPLE in July.
Wondery CEO Jen Sargent praised the Kelce brothers for their engaging content and insider access. “New Heights offers a hilarious, relevant commentary with unprecedented insider access to the NFL season and professional sports,” Sargent noted. This endorsement reflects the high value placed on the podcast’s unique perspective and entertainment value.
What’s Next for ‘New Heights’
The upcoming third season of New Heights will kick off with a new episode distributed via Wondery starting Wednesday. The partnership with Wondery promises to elevate the podcast’s reach and impact, with both Jason and Travis Kelce eager to continue delivering content that resonates with their diverse audience.
As the podcast transitions to its new platform, fans can expect continued insider insights, entertaining commentary, and the dynamic personalities that have made New Heights a standout success. The collaboration with Wondery marks a significant milestone in the podcast’s journey and underscores the growing influence of sports figures in the media landscape.
Final Thoughts
The Kelce brothers’ $100 million deal with Wondery not only highlights their success in the podcasting world but also sets a new standard for high-profile podcast deals. With their podcast moving to a prominent platform and the anticipation for Season 3, New Heights is poised to continue its impressive run and offer fans even more engaging content.
