Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is no stranger to high-stakes wagers, but his latest NBA Finals bet turned out to be a costly misfire. The billionaire rapper placed a $1 million bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the championship in exactly five games, but after the Indiana Pacers’ Game 3 victory, his prediction officially went up in smoke.
Jay-Z made his wager through Fanatics Sportsbook, backing the Thunder to win the Finals in five games at +230 odds. Had OKC pulled off the feat, he would have walked away with $3.3 million. However, the Pacers’ 116-107 win in Game 3 ensured that the series would extend beyond five games, eliminating any chance of Jay-Z cashing in on his bold prediction.
JAY-Z bets $1 Million on OKC to win in 5 @RocNation @RocNationSports @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/27aysHGKSr
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) June 5, 2025
The Thunder entered the Finals as heavy favorites, but Indiana has proven to be a formidable opponent. In Game 3, Tyrese Haliburton (22 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds) led the charge, while Bennedict Mathurin (27 points) and Pascal Siakam (21 points) provided crucial support. OKC, despite strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points) and Jalen Williams (26 points), struggled to close out the game, getting outscored 32-18 in the fourth quarter.
Jay-Z has long been involved in the sports world, previously serving as a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets and investing in Fanatics Sportsbook. His latest bet was a reflection of his competitive nature, but this time, the house won.
While losing $1 million might sting, Jay-Z’s estimated net worth of $2.5 billion suggests he won’t be losing sleep over it. However, with the Thunder now trailing 2-1 in the series, the Finals remain unpredictable.
With Game 4 set for Friday, June 13, the Thunder will look to bounce back and keep their championship hopes alive. While Jay-Z’s bet is officially dead, the Finals drama is far from over.
