Travis Kelce watched on as Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs opened up the 2026 NFL preseason with a 20-12 loss to Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday afternoon. The Chiefs will now turn their attention to their second preseason game, facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, where Kelce and the starters will likely sit once again.
During his time in Kansas City, Kelce has become one of the greatest tight ends we have ever seen. On his way to three Super Bowl wins in five appearances, the former Cincinnati Bearcats star has also earned seven All-Pro nods and 11 Pro Bowl selections, breaking numerous records as well.
But Kelce has also made a name for himself off the field, investing and partnering with numerous businesses. This includes Garage Beer, his restaurant with Patrick Mahomes called 1587 Prime, the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians and the popular theme park Six Flags.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
And on Tuesday, Kelce shared his latest venture on social media, revealing his new partnership with Publicis. The tight end and the ad-holding company, along with 3 Arts Sports, will be forming a joint venture called TEKTA, which aims to “help advertisers find and start partnerships with college athletes and universities,” especially with the growth of NIL.
“I am excited to leverage my lived experience and professional perspective to help close the gap for brands and athletes alike,” Kelce said in a statement. “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.”
Publicis announced the team-up with Kelce on Instagram, while the tight end shared the post to his story with “LFG!!” in the caption.
“The future of NIL is here. 🏈,” Publicis wrote on Instagram. “Publicis Sports, three-time Super Bowl champion @killatrav and @3artssports are teaming up to launch TEKTA — a first-of-its-kind NIL offering built to help brands navigate the rapidly growing world of college sports…
“By bringing together Publicis Sports’ data, strategy and measurement capabilities, Travis Kelce’s commercial expertise, and 3 Arts Sports’ deep relationships across college athletics, TEKTA gives brands a smarter, more connected way to partner with athletes and universities — at scale. Smarter strategy. More possibilities. Bigger impact.”
The Chiefs will open the regular season on Sept. 14, facing the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football.”
