The ‘New Heights’ podcast, hosted by NFL superstars Travis and Jason Kelce, has officially leveled up, securing a lucrative multi-year deal with Amazon’s Wondery. This partnership solidifies its position as a cultural juggernaut, further propelled by recent A-list guests like Ben Stiller and Keanu Reeves, continuously proving its massive draw across sports and entertainment and delighting a rapidly growing global fanbase.
What began as a simple way for two NFL brothers to stay connected has blossomed into one of the world’s most influential sports and entertainment podcasts. Travis Kelce, the dynamic tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his recently retired brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, have transformed their ‘New Heights’ podcast into a true cultural phenomenon. This meteoric rise has culminated in a landmark multi-year deal with Amazon’s podcast studio, Wondery, cementing the show’s unparalleled reach and commercial appeal. Simultaneously, the podcast continues to stun audiences with an ever-expanding roster of high-profile celebrity guests, including recent appearances by Hollywood heavyweights Ben Stiller and Keanu Reeves.
A Deal That Reaches ‘New Heights’: Amazon Wondery Partnership
On Tuesday, Amazon’s Wondery announced its acquisition of a multi-year deal for ‘New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.’ This significant partnership grants Wondery global distribution rights for both audio and video episodes, extending back to the podcast’s inception in 2022. The agreement also includes the creation of international audio adaptations and the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and license ‘New Heights’ merchandise, promising a 360-degree brand expansion.
Reports suggest the deal is worth more than $100 million over three years, a testament to the podcast’s immense popularity and the Kelce brothers’ growing star power. Wondery Chief Executive Jen Sargent highlighted the show’s evolution, stating, “‘New Heights’ on the surface is a sports podcast… but it’s become a cultural phenomenon. They’re in that cultural zeitgeist.” The Kelce brothers expressed their excitement, noting, “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,” as reported by Associated Press.
The Star-Studded Guest List Continues to Amaze
Part of the podcast’s undeniable charm and success lies in its ability to attract an incredible array of guests from sports, music, and Hollywood. Fans are consistently thrilled by the caliber of personalities joining the Kelce brothers for candid conversations.
Ben Stiller: A Comedy Icon Joins the Brothers
Recently, the podcast announced that acclaimed actor, director, and producer Ben Stiller would be a special guest. Jason Kelce introduced Stiller with a long list of his impressive accolades and filmography, including “12-time Teen Choice Award winner, 13-time MTV Movie Award winner, MTV Generational Award and an Emmy winner. You know him from Heavyweights, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, Dodgeball, Meet the Parents — and now the executive producer and director of Apple TV’s hit show ‘Severance.'” The announcement was met with widespread fan enthusiasm, with many praising the show’s incredible booking power.
Keanu Reeves: The ‘John Wick’ Star Makes an Appearance
Further demonstrating their unprecedented pull, the Kelce brothers unveiled another Hollywood legend as an upcoming guest: Keanu Reeves. Jason Kelce playfully introduced the Matrix star as the “6’1 actor from Toronto, Canada, the fourth greatest actor of the 21st century according to The New York Times.” A preview showed Reeves engaging in a lighthearted exchange about the Super Bowl, with Travis confidently proclaiming the Kansas City Chiefs were “rolling right now.” Fans flooded social media with awe, remarking on how the show manages to consistently land such iconic figures, as highlighted by Parade.
The brothers’ guests have included a mix of sports royalty and entertainment giants:
- NBA legend LeBron James
- WNBA star Caitlin Clark
- Award-winning actors Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler
- Music sensation Taylor Swift
- Comedians Jimmy Fallon and Kevin Hart
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- Former NFL QB Alex Smith
- Kylie Kelce (Jason’s wife, whose episode garnered over eight million views on YouTube)
The show’s episode featuring Taylor Swift to promote her album, The Life of a Showgirl, even earned a Guinness World Record for the most concurrent views for a podcast on YouTube, underscoring its immense digital footprint.
The Kelce Brothers: A Cultural Phenomenon
Launched in September 2022, ‘New Heights’ quickly gained traction, benefiting from the brothers’ intertwined NFL careers. Their highly publicized Super Bowl LVII matchup, where Travis’s Chiefs defeated Jason’s Eagles, provided an early boost. The podcast’s popularity then soared further with Travis Kelce’s relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift and the Chiefs’ consecutive Super Bowl victories, making him one of the most visible athletes globally.
Jason Kelce, despite his recent retirement after a stellar 13-year career with the Eagles, has also seen his personal brand ascend. His post-NFL endeavors include appearances at the Paris Olympics and a role on ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Countdown.’ The podcast leverages their combined star power, offering fans unprecedented insider access to the NFL, personal anecdotes, and a genuine, down-to-earth chemistry that resonates deeply with audiences.
With millions of subscribers on YouTube and a significant social media following across platforms like Instagram, ‘New Heights’ has proven its ability to transcend traditional sports media. The Wondery deal ensures even broader distribution, including ad-free access on Amazon’s Wondery+ subscription service, allowing the Kelce brothers to continue their groundbreaking journey from the gridiron to the very pinnacle of pop culture entertainment.
