Kendall Jenner, the 30-year-old model and half-sister to Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian, has built a career spanning fashion runways, major campaigns, and reality television. But in her latest Super Bowl commercial, Jenner takes a playful jab at her high-profile NBA romances — and the infamous “Kardashian curse.”
In collaboration with Fanatics Sportsbook, Jenner stars in a humorous spot that revisits her past relationships with basketball All-Stars Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons, and Devin Booker. She starts the ad teasingly:
“’Haven’t you heard?’” Jenner asks with a hint of mischief. “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? This pool?”
The ad sees Jenner strolling by a luxurious pool in a bikini, casually highlighting the perks she’s enjoyed from her relationships with wealthy athletes. She even burns jerseys of her exes in a playful nod to the “curse” narrative.
“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,” Jenner adds while cruising in a high-end car. “This cute jet? Thanks, boyfriend three! But today, it’s time to bet on something new. Football players.”
While the commercial is clearly meant to be tongue-in-cheek, it also sparks discussion about the “WAGS” culture, where dating professional athletes can provide wealth, status, and brand-building opportunities. Jenner leans into this idea with humor, acknowledging the lifestyle benefits that came along with her NBA romances.
There’s some truth to the “curse” joke. Blake Griffin, who dated Jenner from 2017 to 2018, was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons during their relationship and missed the playoffs for the first time after six consecutive postseason appearances. Ben Simmons’ form noticeably dipped during his on-and-off relationship with Jenner from 2018 to 2020, and he never quite returned to his previous peak. Devin Booker, her most recent NBA partner, dated Jenner from 2020 to 2022. While Booker’s team did not experience a dramatic drop-off, they have not recaptured the peak form they reached during the 2021 NBA Finals, fueling the playful curse narrative.
The ad ends with Jenner hinting that her next sports-related venture might involve NFL players, teasing a shift in focus from basketball to football. It’s an amusing twist, showing Jenner both self-aware and unapologetically playful about her public image and dating history.
Fans on social media quickly responded to the spot, with many praising Jenner’s confidence and humor. Others debated whether the ad glorifies the idea of leveraging relationships with athletes for personal gain. Either way, Jenner’s campaign certainly grabbed attention during one of the year’s biggest advertising events.
With her fashion career and social media influence, Kendall Jenner continues to dominate public conversation — whether walking runways, starring in campaigns, or roasting her NBA exes on the Super Bowl stage. And while the “curse” might remain a running joke, it’s clear Jenner knows how to turn it into entertainment — and maybe a few bets along the way.
