The NFL reportedly suffered a $700 million loss, attributing the financial hit to Taylor Swift’s influence, labeling her as “toxic for the games.”

In an unexpected twist, the NFL is reportedly facing substantial financial repercussions following its recent collaboration with pop icon Taylor Swift. Despite her attendance at Kansas City Chiefs games creating a buzz and increasing female viewership, recent reports reveal that the league has suffered an estimated $700 million loss due to Swift’s overwhelming presence. This surprising financial fallout demonstrates how even a star as luminous as Swift can shine too brightly for some fans, leading to backlash from traditional football followers.

When Taylor Swift first appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game on September 24, it sent shockwaves through both the music and sports worlds. Swift’s mere presence spurred an uptick in viewership, particularly among her dedicated fan base, affectionately known as Swifties. The phenomenon became known as the “Taylor Swift effect,” and initially, it appeared to work magic for the NFL. Games that Swift attended with her new beau, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, saw a significant viewership boost across various demographics, especially among young women.

Swift’s influence transcended the stadiums, capturing the imagination of a new audience that hadn’t been traditionally interested in football. Her popularity led to a 20% increase in sponsorships and brought in new fans, with a reported 53% increase in teenage girl viewership and a 24% rise among women aged 18 to 24. This surge in female viewership was initially hailed as a triumph, providing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with a reason to celebrate as he stated, “It creates another group of young fans, particularly young women, that are interested in seeing why she is going to this game.”