Jay-Z Reportedly Bet Seven-Figures on This Team in the NBA Finals

June 7, 2025

Jay-Z is all in on the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling Game 1 of the Finals; Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot as Indiana won 111-110. But according to a social media post from Fanatics Sportsbook and Roc Nation, Jay-Z wagered $1 million on the Oklahoma City Thunder to defeat the Indiana Pacers in five games.

Going into the series, the Thunder were the overwhelming favorites. Billboard reports that, if they can defeat the Pacers in five games, Jay-Z would collect $3.3 million — a $2.3 million profit on the +230 odds.

Jay co-launched Fanatics Sportsbook in 2023 with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. The Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals to make their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.

Alongside SL Green and Caesar Entertainment, Jay-Z is currently part of Roc Nation’s bid to bring a casino to Times Square in New York City. As part of the team’s bid, they’ve promised to invest $15 million back into the community.

“We are New Yorkers,” Jay-Z said in a 2024 statement. “Supporting and providing opportunities for our neighborhoods and community isn’t just a part of Roc Nation’s ethos; it’s our collective responsibility.”

Beyoncé recently gave a nod to her husband during the closing New York area stretch of her Cowboy Carter and Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour. Bey kicked off the New York stint back on May 22, and closed out with her fifth show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on May 29.

USA Today reports that, late in the show, Beyoncé was decked out in a “NY” cowboy hat – along with sparkly chaps, a fringed varsity jacket, and a T-shirt featuring a throwback photo of none other than Brooklyn-born Jay.