Kendall Jenner just dropped one of the most talked-about Super Bowl commercials of the year, and it’s already causing a stir across social media.
The 30-year-old supermodel leaned into the infamous “Kardashian curse” narrative with a cheeky ad for Fanatics Sportsbook that has NBA fans doing double-takes.
In the spot, she doesn’t just acknowledge the curse—she claims she’s been betting on it.
And now, she’s setting her sights on football players.
Jenner Embraces Her “Cursed” Reputation
Opening with an air of mystery, Jenner addresses viewers directly about her supposed effect on basketball stars.
Haven’t you heard? The internet says I’m cursed. Any basketball player who dates me kinda hits a… rough patch. While the world’s been talking about it, I’ve been betting on it. How else do you think I can afford all this? Modeling?
Walking poolside in a bikini, she continues with a knowing smile, referencing her past relationships with NBA All-Stars.
This pool? Basketball boyfriend one — missed the playoffs. I guess nobody was getting a ring in this house. Do you like this bad boy? Boyfriend number two got flopped right out of the league. Not that I ever drive. This cute jet? Thanks, boyfriend three! But today, it’s time to bet on something new. Football players.
She even goes so far as to burn jerseys from her famous exes, making it clear she’s ready to move on from basketball entirely.
Who Are Basketball Boyfriends One, Two, and Three?
Jenner’s dating history reads like an NBA All-Star roster, and each relationship came with its own set of career complications for the players involved.
Blake Griffin: The Playoff Drought
Griffin, boyfriend number one, dated Jenner between 2017 and 2018.
During their relationship, he was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to Detroit Pistons and missed playoffs for the first time after six consecutive appearances.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it fit the narrative perfectly.
Ben Simmons: The Career Decline
Next came former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons, with whom she had an on-and-off relationship from 2018 to 2020.
During those years, Simmons experienced a sharp decline in form.
Many argue he never returned to being the player he once was—eventually being traded and struggling with injuries and performance issues that continue today.
Devin Booker: The Finals Fallout
Jenner’s most recent high-profile relationship was with Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker.
They dated from 2020 to 2022, though rumors of reconciliation occasionally surface.
While Booker didn’t experience a dramatic individual decline, his team’s trajectory tells another story.
After reaching the NBA Finals in 2021, Phoenix has been in steady decline, facing disappointing playoff exits and roster turmoil.
The Kardashian-Jenner Dating History With NBA Stars
Kendall isn’t alone in her family’s connection to basketball royalty.
Her half-sisters Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian share mother Kris Jenner and have their own histories with NBA players.
- Khloe Kardashian married Lamar Odom during his Lakers championship years, but his career and personal life spiraled afterward
- Kim Kardashian famously married Kris Humphries for 72 days; his career never recovered its earlier promise
- Khloe again with Tristan Thompson, whose career has been marked by inconsistency and controversy since their relationship began
Whether there’s truth to any “curse” remains highly debatable, but patterns in romantic outcomes for NBA players connected to this famous family continue capturing public attention.
Controversial Commercial or Clever Marketing?
The ad has sparked divided reactions online.
Some find it hilarious and self-aware, praising Jenner for leaning into internet jokes rather than fighting them.
Others see it as problematic, highlighting “WAGS” culture where dating wealthy athletes becomes a path to easier living, increased fame, and brand-building opportunities.
Additionally, promoting sports betting through romantic relationships strikes some viewers as tone-deaf, especially given ongoing conversations about gambling addiction and athlete mental health.
Jenner’s Independent Success
Despite what the commercial playfully suggests, Kendall Jenner’s estimated $80 million net worth comes primarily from her legitimate modeling career and business ventures.
She’s walked runways for every major fashion house and maintained lucrative endorsement deals independent of any romantic relationships.
Her self-made success actually adds another layer to the commercial’s humor—she clearly doesn’t need anyone’s money, making the entire premise more satirical than serious.
NFL Players on Notice
With Jenner announcing she’s ready to “bet on something new” by dating football players, NFL stars might want to think twice before sliding into her DMs.
Then again, correlation doesn’t equal causation.
Every athlete faces career ups and downs regardless of relationship status. Injuries, trades, team dynamics, and natural performance fluctuations affect everyone who plays professional sports long enough.
Still, the narrative makes for entertaining content—and that’s exactly what Fanatics Sportsbook was banking on when they created this Super Bowl spot.
Whether curse or coincidence, Kendall Jenner just turned internet gossip into advertising gold.