Taylor Swift’s Hype Train for NFL’s Recent Growth Shut Down by Warriors Legend

Andre Iguodala is on the fence about the Swift factor. Iggy and his co-host, Evan Turner discussed the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift’s romance that dominated it on The Point Forward podcast. It’s no secret that the NFL has benefited from Swift’s relationship with Chiefs’ star, Travis Kelce. Her hype within the NFL is so big, it’s hard to tell the difference between an NFL game and Swiftie gala.

Talking about how the NFL minted an estimated $330 million through the Swift-Kelce whirlwind, Iguodala said, “Being who I am, naturally, I would say, ‘Where is my check?’ if I’m her.” He’s hinting at the discourse that maybe the billionaire popstar should ask the league to pay her a cut out of the hype she generated. But as a former NBA star and a sports fanatic, Iguodala thinks there needs to be a line. “I feel like that conversation takes away from the actual sport.” 

The 4x NBA champion is not entirely wrong. As much as this love story is the stuff of fairytales, it’s also good for business. Taylor Swift’s tween fans are spending on sports viewing and merchandise, Chiefs games have higher viewership, and the coupling has brought new audiences to football through Swift.

However, some have also been uncomfortable with the cameras capturing one too many of the “Shake It Off” singer’s reactions during the game. There’s been discourse about the NFL taking it too far with the focus on Swift.

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Former NFL pro, Matt Ryan attributed it to the fans’ need for entertainment which the Swift-Kelce relationship is providing. Iguodala suggested something similar.

In Taylor Swift, Andre Iguodala trusts

“Looking back, I don’t think it has [taken away from the sport]. There’s been some amazing games. NFL’s been killing it,” the 2015 Finals MVP said, giving the Swift effect the benefit of the doubt. The Kansas City Chiefs have been undeniably phenomenal, particularly at the Super Bowl.

After the game went into overtime, the 49ers were up by 3. Patrick Mahomes came through with the game-winning play, ending it 25-22 in Swift’s team’s favor. Not only are the Chiefs back-to-back Super Bowl champs, their star quarterback bagged the third MVP title of his career.

The thrilling nailbiter was summarized by the Golden State Warriors legend. “All of these leagues are set up as entertainment. Entertainment first, sports second.” But he’s also wary about other teams or leagues trying to replicate this formula because it’s very unlikely they can find anyone that matches the NFL star couple’s hype. What do you think about Andre Iguodala’s comments?

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