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

The NBA has announced 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 go to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is aiming to secure back-to-back wins, while Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, also a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award, is hoping to claim 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 the award in 2023, and Gilgeous-Alexander won last year. Wembanyama has made a notable debut in the playoffs, scoring a franchise-record 35 points for the San Antonio Spurs in their 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to air on Sky Sports, with upcoming games including the Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on Sky Sports+.