Supermodel and influencer Kendall Jenner has unveiled a highly anticipated Super Bowl 2026 advertisement, and true to form, she is generating significant buzz. This time, however, the stir is all in good fun, as Jenner playfully pokes fun at her past relationships with NBA stars while promoting Fanatics Sportsbook. The campaign demonstrates her unique ability to transform personal dating history into a compelling marketing narrative, capturing the attention of both sports fans and pop culture enthusiasts.
Decoding the 'Bet on Kendall' Super Bowl Advertisement
The commercial, titled "Bet on Kendall," cleverly engages with the long-standing internet phenomenon known as the "Kardashian curse." This popular meme humorously suggests that athletes who date members of the Kardashian-Jenner family often encounter professional setbacks or rough patches afterward. In the 85-second spot, Jenner is seen wandering through an elegant mansion, where she encounters scratched-out photographs and discarded basketball jerseys. With a casual demeanor, she tosses these items into a fireplace, making lighthearted references to missed playoff opportunities and underwhelming seasons.
A Cheeky Nod to Past Romances
While Kendall Jenner does not explicitly name any individuals in the advertisement, the references are unmistakably directed at her former NBA boyfriends. The visual and verbal cues point clearly to Devin Booker, Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons, and Jordan Clarkson. The tone of the ad is intentionally witty and self-aware, offering a knowing wink to the online community without crossing into mean-spirited territory. It showcases Jenner's ability to engage with public perception in a humorous and relatable manner.
The 'Kardashian Curse' Meme Takes Center Stage
For over a decade, internet users and sports fans have speculated about the so-called "Kardashian curse," often linking the romantic involvements of NBA stars with the family to subsequent dips in performance. Kendall Jenner embraces this narrative fully in her Super Bowl commercial, joking that any basketball player who dates her inevitably "hits a rough patch." Meanwhile, she portrays herself laughing all the way to her Fanatics Sportsbook winnings, effectively blending personal anecdote with brand promotion.
Strategic Marketing Brilliance
This advertisement marks Kendall Jenner's inaugural Super Bowl commercial for Fanatics Sportsbook, and it represents a masterstroke in marketing strategy. By incorporating playful digs at her NBA ex-boyfriends, the ad immediately grabs viewer attention and sparks conversation. Simultaneously, it reinforces the core message of the sportsbook, reminding audiences that they can place bets on their favorite teams and players. This combination of entertainment and branding ensures that the commercial remains memorable and impactful.
A Timeline of Kendall Jenner's NBA Relationships
To fully appreciate the context of the advertisement, it is helpful to revisit the timeline of Jenner's romantic links with basketball stars:
- Jordan Clarkson (2016)
Kendall Jenner was first linked to Jordan Clarkson, who was then with the New York Knicks, between March and November 2016. This relationship represented one of her earlier connections within the NBA, with the couple being spotted together at public events and celebrations. - Blake Griffin (2017–2018)
During the summer of 2017, Jenner began dating six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. Although she initially denied the relationship, she later acknowledged their time together. The pair eventually drifted apart, partly due to geographical distance following Griffin's trade to another team. - Ben Simmons (2018–2019)
Kendall Jenner's romance with Ben Simmons, then a star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, became public in 2018. The relationship was officially confirmed in early 2019, but the couple parted ways later that year after approximately a year together. - Devin Booker (2020–2022)
Perhaps her most publicly serious NBA relationship was with Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. First linked in April 2020, the couple made their relationship Instagram-official in February 2021 and even celebrated a one-year anniversary. They ultimately broke up in late 2022.
Kendall Jenner's Mastery of Pop Culture Moments
Kendall Jenner's Super Bowl 2026 advertisement underscores her continued prowess in creating and capitalizing on pop culture moments. She skillfully roasts her NBA ex-boyfriends, engages with viral internet memes, and encourages viewers to replay the commercial, all while maintaining her signature style. This campaign not only promotes Fanatics Sportsbook but also solidifies Jenner's status as a cultural influencer who understands how to blend personal narrative with commercial appeal.
