The Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, have signed a landmark deal worth over $100 million with Amazon's Wondery for their popular podcast "New Heights." This three-year agreement grants Wondery exclusive distribution and monetization rights for the show, which has become a cultural phenomenon since its launch in 2022. While the core format and content of the podcast are expected to remain consistent, the partnership aims to expand its global reach and create new opportunities for content and fan engagement. This deal places "New Heights" among the top-tier podcasts in terms of financial agreements, though it falls short of Joe Rogan's record-setting Spotify contract.
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The landmark agreement, announced on August 27, 2024, grants Wondery exclusive ad-sales and distribution rights for "New Heights" for three years12. This deal includes control over all past, present, and future episodes, as well as the ability to create international audio adaptations3. While the podcast will remain widely available on various platforms, including YouTube, Wondery+ subscribers will enjoy ad-free listening and early access to episodes34. The partnership aims to leverage Wondery's resources and experience to expand the podcast's reach and create new content opportunities, potentially including live experiences and merchandise45.
Maintaining its core format, "New Heights" will continue to offer weekly insights into NFL life, personal anecdotes, and cultural discussions that have made it popular. The podcast's success has been bolstered by Travis Kelce's high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, which brought in a new audience1. Despite the lucrative deal, the fundamental content that fans enjoy is expected to remain consistent, with potential enhancements including:
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Live experiences and merchandise opportunities
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Ad-free listening and early access for Wondery+ subscribers
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Continued production support from Wave Sports + Entertainment2
The show's ability to blend sports commentary with entertaining stories from the brothers' combined 21 years in the NFL has contributed to its regular top ranking as a sports podcast on platforms like Spotify and Apple during the NFL season3.
The new agreement with Wondery includes global distribution rights, paving the way for international audio adaptations of "New Heights"1. This expansion could introduce the Kelce brothers' unique blend of sports commentary and personal anecdotes to audiences worldwide. This strategic move aims to broaden the show's reach beyond its current fanbase, potentially tapping into new markets and demographics interested in NFL insights and the Kelce brothers' entertaining dynamic.
The Kelce brothers' $100 million deal for "New Heights" places it among the most lucrative podcast agreements in recent years. Here's how it compares to other notable podcast deals:
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Joe Rogan - The Joe Rogan Experience: $200 million with Spotify (2020)
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Alexandra Cooper - Call Her Daddy: $60 million with Spotify (2021)
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Kelce Brothers - New Heights: $100+ million with Wondery (2024)
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SmartLess (Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Sean Hayes): $80 million with Amazon (2021)
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Dax Shepard - Armchair Expert: $20 million with Spotify (2021)
While the Kelce brothers' deal is substantial, it falls short of Joe Rogan's record-setting agreement. However, it surpasses many other high-profile podcast contracts, reflecting the growing value of popular audio content in the media landscape123.
