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 in which the league’s top honor has been claimed by an international player for eight straight years, underscoring the global nature of today’s game.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, entered the season as the defending MVP after capturing the accolade last year. He now has a strong chance to become the first back‑to‑back winner in the Thunder’s modern era, a feat that would cement his status among the league’s elite. Gilgeous‑Alexander’s all‑around game—combining scoring efficiency, play‑making, defensive tenacity, and leadership—has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s resurgence and has kept the franchise in serious playoff contention. Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center of the Denver Nuggets, is seeking his fourth MVP title.
He previously secured the award in 2021, 2022 and again in 2024, making him one of the most decorated big men in NBA history. Jokić’s unique skill set—his passing vision that rivals many guards, his soft touch around the rim, and his high basketball IQ—has transformed Denver’s offense into a fluid, high‑efficiency system. If he adds a fourth MVP to his résumé, he will join an exclusive club of players who have won the honor multiple times, further solidifying his legacy as one of the all‑time greats. The third finalist, Victor Wembanyama, is the 7‑foot‑4‑inch phenom from France who has taken the league by storm.
In addition to being a candidate for the MVP, Wembanyya is also in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, reflecting his impact on both ends of the court. The young forward‑center’s unprecedented combination of height, length, shooting range, and agility has forced opponents to devise entirely new defensive schemes. His rookie season culminated in a historic playoff debut, where he poured in 35 points, setting a new franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs for most points scored in a player’s first playoff game. That performance helped the Spurs defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 111‑98 in Game 1, signaling that Wembanyama can deliver in high‑pressure situations.
The NBA’s run of international MVPs began in 2019 when Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek‑born forward of Nigerian heritage, captured the award while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship. Giannis repeated the honor in 2020, establishing a precedent for non‑American players to dominate the league’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Following Giannis, Serbian center Nikola Jokić won in 2021 and 2022, while Cameroon‑born, naturalized American Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers took home the trophy in 2023. Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander claimed the honor in 2024, and now the trio of Wembanyama, Gilgeous‑Alexander and Jokić will vie for the 2025 award. The international dominance of the MVP award reflects broader trends in the NBA, where scouting networks now span the globe and talent pipelines from Europe, Africa, and Asia feed directly into the league.
Teams invest heavily in overseas scouting, and the success of players like Wembanyama validates those efforts. Moreover, the diversity of playing styles—Giannis’s power‑forward versatility, Jokić’s point‑center playmaking, Gilgeous‑Alexander’s guard‑forward hybrid skill set, and Wembanyama’s unprecedented blend of size and shooting—demonstrates that the league rewards innovation and adaptability regardless of a player’s nationality. Beyond the individual accolades, each finalist’s team performance adds context to their candidacy.
The Denver Nuggets, anchored by Jokić’s playmaking, have remained a top seed in the Western Conference, consistently posting one of the league’s highest offensive ratings. Oklahoma City, with Gilgeous‑Alexander at the helm, has shown steady improvement, climbing the standings and establishing a reputation for defensive solidity and fast‑break efficiency. The San Antonio Spurs, while not yet a playoff favorite, have become an exciting watch because of Wembanyama’s presence; his ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and create mismatches has already altered opponents’ game plans. Fans and analysts alike are debating who will ultimately claim the MVP trophy.
Some argue that Jokić’s sustained excellence and his role as the engine of a championship‑contending Nuggets team give him the edge. Others point to Gilgeous‑Alexander’s breakout season, his leadership in reviving a franchise, and his potential to repeat as MVP. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s meteoric rise, record‑setting playoff debut, and dual‑candidate status for Defensive Player of the Year make a compelling case for a historic first‑time MVP win.
The race will be decided after the regular season concludes, with voting conducted by a panel of sportswriters, broadcasters and selected NBA executives. Regardless of the outcome, the presence of three international stars on the final ballot highlights the NBA’s evolution into a truly global competition, where talent knows no borders and the game continues to expand its reach worldwide.
For viewers interested in following the MVP race and the upcoming playoff action, NBA games are broadcast live on Sky Sports. The network also offers highlights, in‑depth analysis, and streaming options for fans who prefer to watch on digital platforms. The 2026 NBA playoffs, featuring matchups such as the Toronto Raptors versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, will be available on Sky Sports+ starting at 11 p.m.
on Monday, providing ample opportunity for fans to witness the culmination of the season and see which of the finalists ultimately lifts the MVP trophy.