JAY-Z Bets $1 Million on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Finals

JAY-Z is putting big money where his mouth is this NBA Finals season. The Roc Nation mogul has wagered $1 million through Fanatics Sportsbook that the Oklahoma City Thunder will defeat the Indiana Pacers within five games. If the bet pays off, he stands to earn over $3 million.

However, with the Pacers having already claimed the first game of the series, the rap icon now needs the Thunder to win four consecutive games for the bet to succeed.

Jay-Z’s involvement in this wager comes with added layers of interest, as he is also a partner in Fanatics Sportsbook and holds multiple business collaborations with the company’s founder, Michael Rubin.

This isn’t Jay’s first venture into high-stakes gambling. The billionaire rapper is well-known for hosting exclusive blackjack tournaments, often to support charitable causes. In September 2023, he and Meek Mill hosted a lavish James Bond-themed blackjack event in Atlantic City to raise funds for the REFORM Alliance, the criminal justice reform organization they co-founded alongside Rubin.

The event attracted a glittering guest list, including Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Lala Anthony, and sports legend Derek Jeter. The buy-in for each player was a hefty $100,000, with all proceeds going to REFORM. Performances by Quavo and Travis Scott kept the energy high, while helicopters transported guests from New York City to Atlantic City throughout the evening. Sources described the event as an ultra-exclusive affair where “you can’t buy your way into this party.”

Beyond sports betting and charity events, Jay-Z is also eyeing the casino business itself. The Brooklyn native has partnered with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment in a bid to open a boutique casino at the 1515 Broadway office tower in Times Square. Under this partnership, Jay-Z and his team would curate entertainment programming at this property and six additional Times Square locations owned by SL Green.

However, the billionaire entrepreneur faces stiff competition for the coveted Times Square casino license. Among the rivals is none other than Nas, Jay’s former rap adversary, who is part of a competing bid with his own business partners.

With major investments spanning sports betting, hospitality, and entertainment, JAY-Z continues to expand his empire well beyond music. Whether his bold NBA Finals wager will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — he’s never afraid to bet big.