Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic Shortlisted for NBA MVP Award

The finalists for the NBA's most valuable player award have been announced, 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 aiming to claim the title for the second year in a row, while Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP award. Wembanyama, who is also a contender for the defensive player of the year award, is hoping to secure his first MVP title. The streak of international MVPs began in 2019 and 2020 with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has Greek and Nigerian roots. Jokic, a Serbian player, won the award in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon but now holds US citizenship, took home the award in 2023, and Canada's Gilgeous-Alexander won it last year. Wembanyama, a young star, made his playoff debut this season, scoring a record-breaking 35 points for the San Antonio Spurs in their 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 2026 NBA playoffs will continue to air live on Sky Sports, with the next game featuring the Toronto Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sky Sports+ at 11pm on Monday.