The National Basketball Association 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 be presented 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 honor. 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. Notably, young talent Wembanyama made a remarkable playoff debut, scoring 35 points and setting a franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to unfold, with upcoming games available to stream on Sky Sports.