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 go to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is vying to win the award for the second time in a row, while Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, who has also been nominated for the defensive player of the year award, is hoping to claim his first MVP award.
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 won the award in 2023, and Gilgeous-Alexander took home the honor last year.
Wembanyama, a young star, made his playoff debut this season, scoring a record-breaking 35 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98. The 2026 NBA playoffs will continue to air live on Sky Sports, with upcoming games including the Toronto Raptors vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.