NBA MVP Finalists Announced: Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic in the Running

The National Basketball Association has revealed its finalists for the Most Valuable Player award, with Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic making the cut. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the MVP award will be given to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is seeking to become a back-to-back winner, while Jokic is aiming for his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, who is also a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award, is hoping to secure his first MVP. The streak of international MVPs began in 2019 and 2020 with Giannis Antetokounmpo, followed by Jokic's wins in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Joel Embiid took home the award in 2023, and Gilgeous-Alexander won it last year. Wembanyama has been making waves, setting a franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs with 35 points in his playoff debut, leading the team to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to air on Sky Sports, with the next game featuring the Toronto Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday evening.