The future of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is dominating headlines, and it's not just about football. After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025 that saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs, speculation is rife about the 36-year-old tight end's next move. A new, eye-popping figure of $10 to 20 million per year is now attached to his name, but it has nothing to do with a new contract on the field.
Broadcasting Bonanza: Kelce's Potential $20 Million TV Pivot
According to Andrew Marchand, a renowned sports media insider at The Athletic, this massive sum represents Kelce's potential value in the broadcasting world. Marchand believes that if Kelce decides to retire from the NFL, he is a prime candidate to make a seamless transition to television, specifically aiming for a top-tier role in the commentary booth.
"I think Travis Kelce is one who, if he retires, definitely could do TV," Marchand stated. He emphasized that Kelce wouldn't settle for just any role. "He's a guy who is only going to take a No. 1 job, to me. He's going to get anywhere from $10 to 20 million (per year), because he's Travis Kelce."
This projection isn't based on broadcasting experience but on Kelce's immense marketability and personality. His profile has skyrocketed globally due to his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift. Marchand noted, "Now, uh, he's getting married to someone that makes him even bigger." Their wedding, expected in June 2026, adds a significant personal milestone to his career decision timeline.
Crossroads in Kansas City: The 2025 Season Fallout
The speculation gained urgency following the Chiefs' disastrous 2025 campaign. The team finished with a 6-11 record, marking their first playoff miss since 2014—Kelce's second year in the league. The season ended with a narrow 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.
This downturn coincides with the final year of Kelce's current contract. Despite the team's struggles, Kelce's individual performance remained solid. He recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, proving he can still produce at a starter level. This stat line gives him a legitimate argument to continue playing if he chooses.
However, the physical toll of another season, combined with the team's uncertain bounce-back prospects—partly linked to quarterback Patrick Mahomes' health—presents a complex equation for the veteran.
Weighing the Options: Play, Retire, or Broadcast?
Currently, several paths are open for Travis Kelce, making his offseason one of the most watched in sports.
- Retirement: He could choose to walk away after the 2025 season, potentially stepping immediately into a lucrative broadcasting role.
- Return to Chiefs: He could re-sign with Kansas City for another season, aiming to help the franchise return to its winning ways.
- Play Elsewhere: While considered far-fetched, a move to another team remains a technical possibility as he becomes a free agent.
- Deferred Broadcasting: He could play another season or more and then enter the TV booth later, with the opportunity likely still available.
The allure of a top broadcasting job, with its significant financial reward and less physical strain, is a powerful factor. Marchand's analysis suggests Kelce sees himself as a flagship talent for a network, someone they would build their coverage around.
Ultimately, Kelce's decision will balance his competitive fire, his health, his personal life—including his upcoming wedding to Taylor Swift—and this new, lucrative career path that is now firmly on the table. The $10-20 million broadcasting rumor underscores that his star power extends far beyond the football field, ensuring his relevance no matter what he decides.
