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Kansas City Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt believes Taylor Swift has increased the team’s fanbase by 30 to 40 percent since she began attending games.

Which is kind of the point, isn’t it? For the team and the NFL.

Swift’s relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his terrible haircut has brought significant attention to the team, leading to a surge in viewership and fan engagement.

“She [Swift] is absolutely incredible, as the whole world knows, and it’s been such a special time to have her be a part of Chiefs Kingdom,” Gracie told People Magazine. “She is just as beautiful and wonderful as you’d ever imagine her to be, so smart and intelligent.”

Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, said Swift’s presence at games “feels a little bit surreal,” and she believes the pop star has “grown” their fanbase “between 30 and 40% from her attendance.”

Taylor Swift Is Growing NFL, Chiefs Fanbase

This “Taylor Swift Effect” has not only expanded the Chiefs’ fanbase, but also possibly influenced NFL viewership, with regular-season viewership increasing by 7% in 2024, according to the New York Times.

But her presence hasn’t been without controversy. The constant attention the league and media are bathing her in, combined with perpetually favorable officiating that’s helped the Chiefs get through their season, has led numerous fans to conclude that games are rigged with an eye on ticket sales and ratings.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, after last year’s Super Bowl, spoke about the positive impact Taylor Swift has had on the league. He praised Swift’s ability to draw in a new audience, particularly young women, and create a buzz around the games.

“People are talking about the game today that weren’t talking about the game yesterday,” Goodell admitted to reporters before noting “and my whole family are Swifties…”

“Having the Taylor Swift effect is also a positive,” he added. “Listen, both Travis and Taylor are wonderful young people. They seem very happy.”

RELATED: Are the Refs Helping The Chiefs? Breaking Down the Worst Calls From the AFC Championship Game

The League Loves Taylor

The “Taylor Swift Effect” doesn’t exactly hurt Goodell or Hunt’s wallets, either. The manufactured storylines accompanying the Swift/Travis Kelce ‘romance’ have lined their pockets pretty well.

Increased viewership by drawing in fans who don’t normally watch the sport means more money. This is why the constant panning of cameras on Swift is an obvious attempt to drain every penny out of her through exposure.

The NFL can deny it all they want, but it’s obvious they’re using Swift. It’s an intentional mutual partnership.

A league promotion just before week one this season showed the “Shake It Off” singer five separate times. Meanwhile, Kelce was squeezed in three times, and one of those was because he was locking lips with Swift.

That’s a total of eight times for the NFL’s power couple. In a 30-second promo.

Prepare to be subjected to Kelce and Swift non-stop right up until the Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9th.

Rusty Weiss is a lifelong NFL and MLB fan (Cowboys/Dodgers) and sometimes fan of college basketball (Xavier). Rusty is ... More about Rusty Weiss
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