What the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce prenup could reveal

First comes love and then comes marriage, but in Taylor Swift's and Travis Kelce's love story, there will be the drafting of a prenup in between.

Swift is one of history's most successful recording artists, with an estimated net worth topping $1.6 billion, according to a Forbes estimate. Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is among the NFL's most recognizable stars and is worth between $70 and $90 million, a pittance in comparison.

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Together, they are the most-watched couple in the world.

Wedding bells may be in their future, but one question will loom larger than her stunning but understated engagement ring: Who gets what if they ever divorce?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will likely have a detailed prenup.

Image source: TheStreet/Getty Images

Prenuptial agreements protect more than money

For celebrities, prenups are about protecting privacy and managing public perceptions as much as they are about protecting wealth, ensuring that both partners are protected if things don't work out.

To better understand what a Swift-Kelce agreement might look like, we asked Marilyn York, a family law attorney who specializes in men's rights, to outline the most important factors. York is an attorney who practices in California and Nevada, and the gist of her answer is: “It's not just about the money.”

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will almost certainly have a very extensive prenuptial agreement, she says.

Why a Swift-Kelce prenup would be historic

Swift isn't just another pop star — she's a cultural institution. Her music catalog alone has generated billions, and her record-setting global Eras Tour is said to have grossed more than $2 billion. Add in merchandising, endorsements, and future royalties, and her earning power is unmatched.

Kelce, meanwhile, has built an impressive career of his own. Beyond his NFL salary, he has endorsement deals, a podcast, and TV opportunities that have expanded since his relationship with Swift. But as significant as his fortune is, it pales compared to hers.

That imbalance makes the prenup particularly crucial. Without one, the laws of whichever state they marry or divorce in could govern what each walks away with, says York, and that might not align with either party's idea of fair.

The 5 most important considerations in a Swift-Kelce prenup

York has not consulted with Swift or Kelce but has drafted prenups for celebrities and professional athletes.

In an exclusive with TheStreet, York shared some examples of what she thinks a prenup between the two should include:

1. A clause to override community property rules

Swift owns at least one home in California, and reportedly is a permanent resident in the “community property state.” That means income earned during a marriage is automatically considered joint property. So if Swift writes a hit album or Kelce signs a lucrative endorsement during the marriage, both would legally own half, but a prenup can override that rule.

In Swift and Kelce's case, it would ensure that what each earns individually remains theirs alone. That way, she keeps her music empire and he retains his sports and media income.

2. Privacy and confidentiality protections

For celebrities, York says, privacy is often more valuable than money.”A prenup can include strict nondisclosure clauses that prohibit either spouse from writing tell-all books, giving interviews, or even posting social media comments that reveal private details,” she explains.

Non-disparagement clauses may also be included, preventing either party from publicly criticizing the other. For Swift — whose life is already the subject of endless public speculation — these protections could be as valuable as financial terms.

3. Fair financial security for both sides

Even though Swift is wealthier, a prenup doesn't have to leave Kelce with nothing if the couple ever divorces. Instead, “It can establish a formula that ensures he leaves the marriage with financial security while avoiding the uncertainty of an alimony battle,” York says.

This might include lump-sum payments tied to the length of the marriage, or provisions that increase if they have children together. These kinds of agreements protect against claims of unfairness and can help keep divorces from turning bitter and becoming costly multi-year battles.

4. Discovery waivers and control of information

“Divorce proceedings typically require full disclosure of assets, which for celebrities means private financial records can enter the public record,” York says. But a prenup can include waivers to limit discovery and keep sensitive information out of court.

York explains that Swift likely has a complex web of royalty and touring contracts, and licensing agreements and a prenup could protect those from invasive scrutiny.

5. Full disclosure up front

Here's the irony: To have an enforceable prenup, both Swift and Kelce would need to make a complete disclosure of their assets before signing. That includes income, property, and debts. If either party withholds information, the entire agreement could be thrown out.

Transparency is the foundation of any valid prenup. In this case, it would mean both parties — no matter how famous or private — would have to lay all their cards on the table before marriage.

The Swift-Kelce agreement is even more complex than a typical celebrity prenup

Unlike an average couple, Swift and Kelce's agreement would likely span dozens of pages and address not just financial matters but also image rights, intellectual property, and reputational control.

For example: Could Kelce use photos of Swift in a future business venture? Could Swift reference Kelce in a song after a split? These issues may sound trivial, but in a world where brand management is everything, they are crucial considerations.

Celebrity prenups also tend to be drafted with litigation in mind. Attorneys anticipate every possible dispute so that if the marriage ends, there's little left to argue over in court or in public.

Prenups are the norm for high-profile couples like Swift and Kelce

Prenups have historically carried stigma, but among high-profile couples, they're the norm. They provide some level of certainty, can reduce public spectacle, and can even strengthen relationships by forcing both sides to have hard conversations up front.

For Swift and Kelce, the prenup wouldn't just protect assets — it would protect the cultural juggernaut they've created together. Their relationship has boosted NFL ratings, fueled endless headlines, and even sparked merchandise trends including collaborative football wear like the “In my Chiefs Era” or “Kansas City (Taylor's Version)” t-shirts, jackets, and jerseys.

If Swift and Kelce tie the knot, their prenup will likely become one of the most talked-about legal documents in celebrity history. As York emphasizes, it's not just about who gets what. It's about preserving privacy, ensuring fairness, and protecting two of the most powerful brands in entertainment and sports.

“You learn a lot about a person when you draft a prenup,” concludes York. “I can't tell you how many people come in here and the person with more assets insists that if the marriage dissolves, the partner gets nothing. I always ask, ‘Why would you want to marry someone who is saying if you break up, he or she will put you and your kids on the street?' This is when a person shows their true nature.”