Taylor Swift did in fact put Travis Kelce on the map

Whether you believe that Kelce and Swift’s romance is a genuine relationship or just a publicity stunt, one cannot deny that their connection is generating immense positive externalities for the Chiefs football team, the company selling Kelce’s jersey, and even, Kelce’s mom. Kelce has gained a million new followers on Instagram, and the couple has sparked tik tok trends where girls prank their significant others, claiming “Taylor Swift put Travis Kelce on the map.” But Swift and Kelce’s romance is not just benefiting Kelce. Reports indicate that sales of his jersey have spiked by four-hundred percent since the first public sighting of the couple, and 20% of the tickets for the Chiefs match-up last night against the Jets were sold the night of Swift’s appearance at the Bears game. Kelce’s mom, Donna Kelce, is now a face to be recognized, appearing on the Today Show. 

However, Swift’s affiliation with the NFL is not just generating positive externalities for the Chiefs, Kelce’s mom, and his jersey seller. Her presence at the games is a public good. Swift showing up at games is non-excludable and nonrival in the sense that the externalities cannot be contained to just the Chiefs. The prices for the game to be held at the Jets’ MetLife Stadium increased by 40% with a 175% jump in ticket sales (with those 20% also being sold the night of Swift’s appearance). These sales benefit both the Chiefs, the Jets, and the entire NFL. If Swift continues to attend games and allegedly date Travis Kelce, it will continue to generate positive externalities for the Chiefs, while also serving as a public good for the entire NFL.