In a bold and strategic move, Wondery, a prominent player in the podcasting industry, has secured an exclusive ad-sales representation and distribution deal with the wildly popular sports podcast “New Heights,” co-hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. This partnership is set to elevate the podcast to new heights, expanding its reach to global audiences and solidifying its position as a leading voice in sports media.
Expanding Global Reach and Monetization Opportunities
Wondery’s deal with “New Heights” is not just about maintaining the status quo. Starting this month, the partnership grants Wondery global distribution rights to all audio and video episodes from the podcast’s extensive back catalogue. This move will introduce the show to international listeners and cater to the growing global fanbase of the Kelce brothers.
Moreover, the deal includes exclusive rights for Wondery to monetize and distribute all future audio and video episodes. This exclusivity is perfectly timed with the upcoming NFL season, positioning “New Heights” as a must-listen for football fans worldwide. The podcast will continue to be accessible across all major podcast platforms, including Wondery’s own channels and YouTube, ensuring that its dedicated audience can tune in wherever they prefer.
“New Heights” Brand: Merchandising and More
In addition to distribution rights, the agreement also covers the development, manufacturing, licensing, and distribution of all merchandise associated with “New Heights.” Fans can look forward to a range of new consumer products, further cementing the podcast’s brand presence in both the sports and entertainment industries.
One of the most exciting aspects of this deal is the introduction of ad-free listening through Wondery+. Subscribers will enjoy uninterrupted episodes, enhancing the overall listening experience. Furthermore, the partnership opens the door to livestreams, bringing fans closer to the action and offering unique, real-time interactions with the Kelce brothers.
The Kelce Brothers’ Enthusiasm and Vision
Travis and Jason Kelce, the charismatic co-hosts of “New Heights,” have expressed their excitement about this new chapter in the podcast’s journey. “We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of New Heights,” said the brothers in a joint statement. “We love this show, and the fanbase that has grown with us over the last two seasons. 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. We are thrilled to start Season 3 – see you soon, 92%ers!”
Their enthusiasm is not only contagious but also indicative of the potential this partnership holds. With Wondery’s expertise in podcasting and the Kelce brothers’ deep connection with their audience, “New Heights” is poised to deliver even more engaging content and memorable moments in the seasons to come.
Wondery’s 360-Degree Approach: A Winning Formula
Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery, echoed the excitement of the Kelce brothers and highlighted the strategic importance of this deal. “Since its first play, New Heights has brought hilarious, relevant commentary and interviews, even unprecedented insider access to the NFL season and professional sports,” Sargent noted. “Now a cultural phenomenon, we’re excited to grow the New Heights brand together with Jason, Travis, and Amazon through Wondery’s 360-approach that will engage and excite their audiences across audio, video, live experiences, merch, and more.”
Wondery’s 360-degree approach is a comprehensive strategy designed to maximize the podcast’s reach and impact. By leveraging multiple platforms and content formats, Wondery aims to create a seamless and immersive experience for fans, whether they are listening to the podcast, watching videos, attending live events, or purchasing merchandise.
A Proven Track Record of Success
The partnership with Wondery is a natural progression for “New Heights,” which has already established itself as a dominant force in the sports podcasting landscape. Since its launch in 2022, the podcast has consistently ranked as the #1 sports podcast on both Apple and Spotify during the American football season. It has also secured a place among the top three podcasts overall, a testament to its widespread appeal and the loyalty of its fanbase.
The podcast’s success has not gone unnoticed, earning accolades such as the Ambies, Webbys, and Shorty awards. These honors reflect the high-quality content that “New Heights” delivers, from in-depth interviews to humorous commentary, all while providing fans with unprecedented access to the NFL and its players.
Wave Sports + Entertainment Continues to Provide Production Expertise
While Wondery takes the reins on distribution and monetization, Wave Sports + Entertainment will continue to handle the production services for “New Heights.” This collaboration ensures that the podcast maintains its high production standards and continues to deliver the content that fans have come to love.
A New Era for “New Heights”
The partnership between Wondery and “New Heights” marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the podcast. With global distribution, exclusive monetization rights, and a comprehensive brand expansion strategy, “New Heights” is set to soar to even greater heights. As the NFL season approaches, fans can look forward to more engaging content, new merchandise, and unique experiences that will bring them closer to the action than ever before.
This collaboration not only benefits the podcast’s existing fanbase but also opens the door to new audiences worldwide, ensuring that “New Heights” remains a dominant force in sports media for years to come.
