Travis Kelce Sends Message After Buying Minority Stake in Cleveland Guardians
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce put retirement speculation to rest in March when he signed a new contract. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth up to $57.735 million over three years, with $12 million guaranteed for 2026 and additional incentives tied to playing time and playoff appearances. If the contract reaches full value, Kelce would become the highest-paid tight end in NFL history by average annual value.
The 36-year-old is coming off another productive season, finishing with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns despite Kansas City missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
But as he prepares for his 14th NFL season, he is also continuing to expand one of the most active off-field portfolios in professional sports.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Kelce has purchased a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians, the MLB franchise he supported growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
"I have so much love for this city," Kelce told ESPN. "I say it all the time: I'm just a kid from the Heights living the dream."
News: Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is buying a minority stake in his hometown Cleveland Guardians, he tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 27, 2026
"I have so much love for this city. … I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland." Story free at ESPN: https://t.co/Z8pHKGwCa5
Kelce credited Cleveland for shaping his work ethic and perspective long before he became one of the NFL's biggest stars.
"Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate; they all made me the man I am today," he said. "That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep."
Travis Kelce's Connection to Cleveland Remains Strong
Kelce has remained closely tied to Cleveland throughout his NFL career. He regularly attends Cleveland Cavaliers games, has thrown out ceremonial first pitches for the Guardians and has openly embraced his hometown identity despite spending his entire professional career in Kansas City.
Kelce and fiancée Taylor Swift most recently attended Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena. Cameras caught the 10-time Pro Bowler energizing the crowd during the Cavaliers' matchup against the New York Knicks.
The Guardians investment adds another major piece to Kelce's growing business profile. He and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes previously joined an ownership group connected to the Alpine Formula 1 team through Otro Capital. Kelce also invested in hot sauce brand Cholula before the company was later acquired.
Outside of ownership ventures, Kelce continues to co-host the "New Heights" podcast alongside his brother Jason Kelce, one of the most successful sports podcasts in the world.
Related: Patrick Mahomes News Emerges 3 Days Before Big Event in Kansas City
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 6:39 AM.