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 award will go to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is aiming for a repeat win, while Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, also a contender for the defensive player of the year award, is hoping to secure his first MVP. The streak of international MVP winners began in 2019 and 2020 with Giannis Antetokounmpo, followed by Jokic's wins in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and victories by Joel Embiid in 2023 and Gilgeous-Alexander last year. Wembanyama made a notable debut in the playoffs, scoring a record-breaking 35 points in his first game as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98. The 2026 NBA playoffs will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with upcoming games including the Toronto Raptors vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday evening.