Travis Kelce is preparing for another NFL season, but his plans now stretch well beyond the football field. With questions still surrounding how much longer the Kansas City Chiefs star intends to play, Kelce has taken another major step toward building his career after football. His latest move targets the growing college athlete market, giving brands and emerging sports personalities a new way to connect through name, image and likeness opportunities.
Travis Kelce launches new NIL venture for college athletes
Kelce has joined forces with Publicis Group and his commercial representation, 3 Arts Entertainment, to launch Tekta, a consulting service focused on NIL partnerships and brand activations.The venture arrives at a time when college athletes have more opportunities than ever to build personal brands. Yet finding the right partnerships can be difficult. Athletes may have audiences, but understanding contracts, marketing, financial planning and long-term brand value requires a different set of skills.Kelce believes his own experience can help bridge that gap.“I am excited to leverage my lived experience and professional perspective to help close the gap for brands and athletes alike. Streamlining the process will allow everyone to fully realize the potential of engaging across the board, including the significant opportunity that lies in those untapped sports and undiscovered personalities.”Tekta is expected to offer more than introductions between athletes and companies. The service plans to provide education around branding, partnership basics and financial literacy, while also helping athletes think about their careers beyond their playing days.That long-term approach could become one of the venture’s biggest strengths. College athletes often have only a short window to capitalize on their popularity, making the ability to build a sustainable public profile especially valuable.Publicis Sports CEO Suzy Deering also highlighted the challenge brands face when trying to create partnerships that work at both local and national levels.“Many of our clients are looking for ways to connect with customers at a local level, while also delivering scale and laddering up to a regional or national program,” Suzy Deering, CEO, Publicis Sports, in a statement to Variety.“This has been challenging—if not impossible—to do from a brand standpoint, given all the pain points. Through the unique combination of Publicis Sports, Travis and 3 Arts Sports, we’re able to bring our strengths together to do this seamlessly for our clients.”
Travis Kelce continues building his career beyond football
Tekta is another addition to a growing list of business interests for Kelce. His expanding portfolio suggests that the Chiefs tight end is thinking carefully about his future, even as he remains focused on football.Kelce is entering the 2026 season after recording 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. He also led Kansas City in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.His return came after the Chiefs finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs, giving him another opportunity to compete before questions about retirement become more prominent.Away from the field, Kelce remains active with his brother Jason Kelce through their popular “New Heights” podcast. The brothers also have a stake in Garage Beer. Kelce has added partnerships with brands including Sleep Number, Six Flags and Tommy Hilfiger.His charitable work remains another important part of his profile through 87 and Running and Operation Breakthrough. He is also connected to 1587 Prime, the Kansas City steakhouse he co-owns with Patrick Mahomes.The timing of Tekta is notable. Whether 2026 becomes Kelce’s final NFL season or not, the venture gives him another way to turn his experience, network and influence into something that can continue growing long after his playing career ends.
