Kendall Jenner
@kendalljenner/Instagram

Kendall Jenner has reignited debate around her high-profile dating history after a Super Bowl commercial in which she jokes that she is 'done' with NBA players and ready to turn her attention to NFL stars. The advert, filmed for Fanatics Sportsbook, leans into long-running internet claims that basketball players who date her experience career downturns, a narrative often dubbed the 'Kardashian curse'.

The tongue-in-cheek spot has quickly gone viral, placing Jenner's past relationships back under scrutiny and sparking fresh arguments about celebrity culture, sports performance and the line between humour and controversy.

Why the Super Bowl Ad Is Causing a Stir

In the Fanatics Sportsbook commercial, Kendall Jenner addresses online chatter head-on, referencing rumours that her relationships affect athletes' careers. As she moves through scenes of luxury, she jokes about betting on the misfortunes of her former basketball partners, even burning jerseys associated with her past relationships.

'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,' said Kendall.

The Super Bowl platform has amplified the reaction. With millions watching, critics argue the advert trivialises gambling and reinforces stereotypes around WAG culture, while supporters say Jenner is clearly parodying a narrative that has followed her for years.

The 'Cursed' NBA Boyfriends: Who's on the List

Jenner's dating history includes several high-profile NBA names, each frequently cited by fans when the 'curse' discussion resurfaces.

She was linked to Blake Griffin between 2017 and 2018, a period that coincided with his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons. The move ended Griffin's run of six straight playoff appearances, fuelling online speculation despite the clear basketball reasons behind the trade.

Her on-and-off relationship with Ben Simmons spanned from 2018 to 2020. During those years, Simmons' form declined amid injuries and confidence issues, culminating in a turbulent exit from the Philadelphia 76ers. Fans often point to the overlap, though analysts have repeatedly highlighted performance and fitness factors.

Jenner's most recent NBA relationship was with Devin Booker, which lasted from 2020 to 2022. Booker and the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021 before experiencing gradual regression in subsequent seasons. Unlike earlier cases, Booker did not suffer a notable individual slump.

Does the 'Kardashian Curse' Hold Up?

Despite its popularity online, there is no evidence linking Jenner's relationships to professional performance. Trades, injuries, tactical changes and team dynamics remain the dominant factors in any athlete's career trajectory.

Sports analysts routinely dismiss the curse narrative as coincidence, yet its persistence highlights how celebrity relationships are often folded into broader sporting storylines.

From NBA Players to NFL Stars

The commercial marks the first time Jenner has explicitly referenced a potential pivot from NBA players to NFL boyfriends. While no specific football stars are named, the suggestion alone has fuelled speculation and online debate, particularly as the advert airs during the NFL's biggest event of the year.

For some viewers, the shift feels calculated, blending celebrity gossip with sports betting promotion at a moment of peak attention.

Wealth, Independence and Online Reaction

Jenner's reported net worth of around $80 million (around £58 million) underscores her financial independence, built largely through modelling and brand partnerships. Supporters argue the advert plays on exaggerated stereotypes rather than endorsing them.

Online reaction has been sharply divided, with social media users split between praising her self-awareness and accusing the campaign of glorifying gambling and transactional relationships. As Super Bowl week continues, the 'curse' conversation shows no sign of fading, once again placing Kendall Jenner at the centre of sports and celebrity discourse.