Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Nikola Jokić have been officially named the three finalists for this season’s National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player award. Their selection continues a remarkable streak: for eight straight years the league’s top individual honor has gone to a player born outside the United States. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the dynamic guard from Oklahoma City who captured the MVP trophy in the previous campaign, is now vying for a rare back‑to‑back honor.
If he succeeds, he will join an elite group of players who have defended the award in consecutive seasons, a feat that underscores both his consistency and his impact on the Thunder’s success. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center who has already hoisted the MVP trophy three times (2021, 2022 and 2024), is in pursuit of a fourth crown. Jokić’s unique blend of scoring, rebounding, playmaking and basketball IQ has redefined the role of a big man in the modern NBA, and his continued dominance makes him a favorite among many voters.
The youngest of the trio, Victor Wembanyama, is making history in his own right. The 7‑foot‑4 French phenom, who also received a nod for Defensive Player of the Year, is chasing his first MVP award.
After a spectacular playoff debut in which he poured in 35 points, Wembanyama set a new franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs for most points scored in a player’s first postseason appearance. His performance helped the Spurs defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 111‑98 in Game 1, signaling that his influence extends far beyond his age and experience. The international dominance of the MVP award began in 2019 when Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, of Greek‑Nigerian heritage, captured the honor and repeated it in 2020. Since then, the trophy has passed to a series of global stars: Serbia’s Jokić (2021, 2022, 2024), Cameroon‑born Joel Embiid—who later obtained U.S.
citizenship—who won in 2023, and Canada’s Gilgeous‑Alexander, who secured the prize in 2025. This pattern reflects the NBA’s increasingly worldwide talent pool and the league’s commitment to celebrating excellence regardless of national origin.
Beyond the MVP race, the season has produced several memorable moments. Wembanyama’s playoff debut not only broke a Spurs record but also highlighted his versatility: he scored from the perimeter, protected the rim, and displayed a court vision rarely seen in a player of his size. His 35‑point outburst was complemented by 12 rebounds and 5 blocks, illustrating why many analysts consider him a generational talent. The NBA’s global reach is further evident in its broadcast partnerships.
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch live action on Sky Sports, which provides comprehensive coverage of regular‑season games, the All‑Star weekend, and the postseason. Sky Sports+ streams the 2026 playoffs, including the upcoming matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, slated to begin at 11 p.m. on Monday. In addition to live games, the network offers highlights, analysis, and exclusive video content for viewers who want to stay up to date on every slam dunk, clutch three‑pointer, and defensive stop.
For those who prefer streaming, the NBA’s own platform delivers contract‑free access to games, allowing fans to watch from any device without a traditional cable subscription. This flexibility has helped the league attract a younger, tech‑savvy audience and expand its fan base across continents.
As the MVP voting window draws to a close, the three finalists each bring a distinct narrative to the table. Gilgeous‑Alexander represents the pursuit of sustained excellence and the desire to cement a legacy with consecutive awards. Jokić embodies the mastery of a seasoned veteran who continues to elevate his team through a rare combination of scoring efficiency and unselfish playmaking.
Wembanyama, meanwhile, symbolizes the future of the sport—a young, multi‑dimensional player whose impact is already reshaping how the game is played and perceived. Regardless of who ultimately receives the honor, the 2025‑2026 season will be remembered as a celebration of international talent, innovative play styles, and the ever‑growing global appeal of basketball. The final MVP announcement is expected to be made at the league’s awards ceremony later this month, where fans, players, and media alike will eagerly await the verdict that crowns one of the game’s brightest stars as the most valuable player of the year.