5 Ways Travis Kelce Makes Money: His Shocking $100 Million Podcast Deal And $17M NFL Salary
The financial landscape of Travis Kelce has exploded in 2024, shifting his earnings from a top-tier NFL salary to a diversified media and business empire that rivals the league’s biggest stars. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is not only one of the highest-paid players at his position but has strategically leveraged his global fame—catalyzed by his on-field success and high-profile relationship—to secure off-field income that now surpasses his playing salary.
The question of "how much does Travis Kelce make" is no longer answered by a simple look at his NFL contract. With a massive contract renegotiation in April 2024, a blockbuster podcast deal signed in August 2024, and an endorsement portfolio that is the largest in the NFL, Kelce’s annual income is now estimated to be well over $40 million, propelling his overall net worth into the tens of millions of dollars.
Travis Kelce: Biography and Quick Profile
- Full Name: Travis Michael Kelce
- Born: October 5, 1989 (Age 36 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Westlake, Ohio
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
- Weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
- College: University of Cincinnati
- NFL Draft: 2013 / Round 3 / Pick 63 (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- Position: Tight End (TE)
- Super Bowl Wins: 3 (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
- Pro Bowl Selections: 10 (2014–2023)
- All-Pro Selections: 8 (First-team: 4, Second-team: 4)
1. The Blockbuster NFL Contract: $17 Million Annual Salary
Travis Kelce’s primary income source remains his playing contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which he successfully renegotiated to keep him among the highest-paid tight ends in the league. This financial commitment from the Chiefs ensures he is compensated for his elite performance, which has included over 1,000 receiving yards in seven consecutive seasons.
2024 Contract Details and AAV
In April 2024, Kelce signed a two-year contract renegotiation worth $34.25 million, effectively extending his deal through the 2025 NFL season. This new deal provided a significant raise and a high average annual value (AAV) for a player in his mid-30s, reflecting his importance to the team’s championship aspirations. The deal secured a substantial amount of guaranteed money.
- Total Value: $34.25 million over 2 years
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $17.125 million
- Guaranteed Money: $17 million guaranteed
- 2024 Base Salary Breakdown: His 2024 earnings include a base salary of $5.75 million, a significant roster bonus of $11 million, and a $250,000 workout bonus, totaling nearly $17 million for the season.
This $17 million per year salary places him at the very top of the tight end market, a position he has consistently maintained throughout his career. His consistent production and leadership have justified the Chiefs' continued investment in his football career.
2. The $100 Million Media Empire: Podcast Earnings and Hollywood Ambitions
Kelce’s off-field earnings have seen the most explosive growth, largely driven by the monumental success of his podcast and his emerging presence in the entertainment industry. His income from media projects is now comparable to his NFL salary, a rare feat for a professional athlete.
The New Heights Podcast Deal
The biggest financial headline for Kelce in 2024 was the massive new deal for the "New Heights" podcast he co-hosts with his brother, retired NFL star Jason Kelce. In August 2024, the Kelce brothers signed a three-year deal with Amazon’s Wondery network reportedly worth $100 million. While the split is likely between the two brothers, this agreement provides an annual media income stream that is roughly equivalent to his $17 million NFL salary, highlighting his transition into a media mogul.
Hollywood and Acting Projects
Beyond the podcast, Kelce is actively pursuing opportunities in Hollywood and general media. He has expressed interest in comedy and acting, following a well-received guest-hosting gig on *Saturday Night Live*. His first major acting venture is a role in the film *My Dead Friend Zoe*, which signals a serious commitment to a post-NFL career in entertainment. Industry experts note that his team is developing unscripted shows and exploring other media projects, making his future income potential outside of football incredibly high.
3. Endorsements and Brand Partnerships: The $32 Million Off-Field King
Travis Kelce currently holds the distinction of having the highest off-field earnings of any player in the NFL, a figure estimated to be around $32 million. This staggering amount is generated from an endorsement portfolio that has grown exponentially due to his on-field excellence and his increased visibility in pop culture.
The Endorsement Portfolio
While some financial outlets conservatively estimated his endorsement income at $5 million early in 2024, other reports suggest his annual endorsement earnings are closer to $30 million, a figure that better reflects his extensive list of partners. He has partnered with nearly 50 brands, making him one of the most marketable athletes globally. His major endorsement deals include:
- Bud Light: A long-standing partnership with the beer giant.
- Nike: His primary apparel and footwear sponsor.
- State Farm: Known for his humorous commercials alongside Patrick Mahomes.
- Pfizer: A high-profile campaign for the pharmaceutical company.
- Experian, Campbell's Soup, T-Mobile, McDonald's, and DirecTV.
This massive influx of commercial revenue solidifies his status as a dual-threat earner—elite athlete and elite brand ambassador.
4. Business Ventures and Investments
Kelce has also begun to strategically invest his capital into long-term business ventures, diversifying his wealth beyond media and sports contracts. This strategy is critical for building enduring generational wealth.
- Recover 180: Kelce is an investor and brand ambassador for this sports hydration drink, putting him in the booming market of athlete-backed beverages.
- 87 & Running Foundation: Although a non-profit, Kelce’s Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation is a major focus of his business team, dedicated to helping underserved youth in Kansas City and beyond by focusing on education, business, and the arts. His commitment to this charitable organization creates significant community and brand value.
5. What is Travis Kelce’s Current Net Worth?
Given the dramatic increase in his annual income from the podcast deal and surging endorsements, Kelce’s net worth has seen a rapid acceleration. While estimates vary depending on the source and the inclusion of future earnings, the trend is unequivocally upward.
As of late 2024, his net worth is estimated to be in the range of $52 million to $90 million. Forbes estimated his net worth at $52 million in September 2024, with projections suggesting it could rise to $70 million by August 2025. Other outlets place the figure as high as $90 million, reflecting the value of his long-term contracts and brand equity. Regardless of the exact number, it is clear that Kelce has transitioned from being merely a highly-paid football player to a major celebrity entrepreneur whose financial future is secured by his massive media footprint.
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