As the NBA Finals tipped off on Thursday, rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur Jay-Z wagered $1 million on the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Indiana Pacers in five games.
Fanatics posted the wager on X/Twitter on Thursday, just hours before the game. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, got +230 odds and would profit $2.3 million if the Thunder can close out the series in five.
JAY-Z bets $1 Million on OKC to win in 5 @RocNation @RocNationSports @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/27aysHGKSr
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) June 5, 2025
Jay-Z On The Wrong End Of Game 1
Oklahoma City was a heavy favorite to win and came into the series with the home-court advantage. But collecting on the bet may be a bit tougher after Game 1. The Thunder built a 15-point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, but couldn’t hold on for the win.
However, the Pacers chipped away at that and made a late rally with the help of several clutch 3-pointers. Indiana never led the game until point guard Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot with just 0.03 to close out a 111-110 victory.
“We had a lot of experience in these kinds of games, and our guys have a real good feel for what it’s all about, giving ourselves a chance,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game. “We got fortunate but made plays.”
Jay-Z, who has an estimated net worth of around $2.5 billion, will now need the Thunder to put together four straight wins to cash in on the $1 million wager. The NBA Finals resume on Sunday with Game 2 in Oklahoma City.
Jay-Z Following In Drake’s Footsteps
The New Yorker isn’t the only rapper known for some big betting. Drake has made several huge wagers while online sports betting over the last few years. That included losing a $300,000 bet on the Canadian soccer team to win the Copa America series at odds of +2500.
In 2022, he bet $1 million on Argentina to win the World Cup, but lost when the match went to overtime. Some of his other bets have included winning $559,000 on the 2022 Super Bowl betting on the Rams, and a $159,000 bet on the Golden State Warriors to finish atop the NBA’s Western Conference for a nice return of $650,000.
A video showing the rapper sitting on a couch in an empty club while wearing white mink coat and playing online slots also went viral in March.
