PHOENIX – Devin Booker dropping an Instagram post about a $1 million bet on the Seahawks landed with authority. That’s not pocket change, even for a superstar. But the real weight of the moment isn’t the wager itself. It’s what it reveals about how modern athletes and fans relate to sports.

Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker warms up before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Booker is the emotional leader of the Suns’ locker room, not to mention he has taken the city of Phoenix into his own hands, which is a market defined by Cardinals loyalty. On paper, this is supposed to feel uneasy. In reality, it’s a reminder that today’s fandom is layered. How will Cardinals and Suns fans respond when they see the face of the franchise rooting for an NFL divisional rival? Booker was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up a major Detroit Sports fan. His bet is more calculated than anything, as the Seahawks are listed as favorites to win the Super Bowl.

Feb 11, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns players Chris Paul and Devin Booker watch Gary Woodland tee off during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Devin Booker puts down major Super Bowl bet:

Strategically, the post works. It drives conversation across NBA and NFL lanes, pulls West Coast and national audiences into the same feed, and humanizes one of the NBA’s biggest superstars through vulnerability. Fans connect to emotion, conviction, and guts. Booker showed his hand, literally, and reminded everyone why it’s so hard to root against him.

Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen