Travis Kelce is purchasing a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Kelce grew up in the Cleveland area as a fan of the Guardians. The Guardians are valued at $1.7 billion, up from $1 billion in 2022.

"I have so much love for this city," Kelce told ESPN. "I say it all the time: I'm just a kid from the Heights living the dream. I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland and being raised here with the values and the people and the work ethic. Cleveland Heights is such a diverse and dynamic place. Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate -- they all made me the man I am today. It just fueled such a deep appreciation for life and community and service. That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep.

"I've been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to good ownership in my career, and I know the best teams prioritize culture. Everyone is there to play their role, and right now, I'm here to observe and learn and really to support the team and the city when and where I can."

Other current athletes who have become minority investors in baseball teams include LeBron James (Boston Red Sox), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Brewers), Cade Cunningham (Texas Rangers) and Kelce's Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, who in July 2020 became a minority owner of the Kansas City Royals.

Kelce was an excellent baseball player in high school, hitting .588 with six homers as a senior in 2008. 

"I think I had always felt most confident on the diamond," Kelce said. "I was playing every sport growing up, but baseball was actually the only one I had early interest from scouts, so I really did think it was a viable option for me. The football thing chose me at the end of the day, and when I moved to tight end, it really took off for me.

"I mean, it's hard to find a better feeling in sports than hitting a home run. But the best part about playing baseball growing up for me was enjoying it with the fellas and their families I played with. I was lucky enough to be on some great teams growing up on the east side of Cleveland."