Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Nikola Jokic have all been named as the three contenders 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 honor has gone to a player born outside the United States.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, entered the campaign as the defending MVP after capturing the prize last season. He now finds himself in the rare company of players attempting to win back‑to‑back MVP honors, a feat achieved only by a handful of legends in NBA history.
Meanwhile, the Serbian big man Nikola Jokic, who already boasts three MVP titles (2021, 2022 and 2024), is vying for a historic fourth trophy that would cement his status among the all‑time greats. The youngest of the trio, Victor Wembanyama, the 7‑foot‑4 phenom drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, is also in the mix. In addition to his MVP candidacy, Wembanyama has been nominated for Defensive Player of the Year, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor and his potential to claim his first MVP accolade.
The international dominance of the MVP award began in the 2018‑19 season when Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek‑Nigerian forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, captured the honor. He repeated the feat the following year, establishing a new norm for the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Since then, the mantle has passed to a succession of non‑American players: Serbian center Nikola Jokic (2021, 2022, 2024), Cameroonian‑born Joel Embiid—who later became a U.S. citizen—who won in 2023, and Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the 2024 recipient. Wembanyama’s presence this season adds a fresh chapter to that narrative, marking the fifth consecutive year an international player has been named MVP.
Wembanyama’s playoff debut further amplified his candidacy. In the opening game of the Spurs’ first‑round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, the rookie poured in 35 points, setting a franchise record for the most points ever scored by a player in his inaugural postseason appearance. The Spurs emerged victorious with a 111‑98 win, and Wembanyama’s performance drew praise for its blend of scoring, shot‑blocking, and floor‑spacing—attributes that have already drawn comparisons to the game’s most versatile big men.
His ability to stretch the defense with a reliable mid‑range jumper and an emerging three‑point shot, while also protecting the rim, makes him a uniquely valuable asset in today’s pace‑and‑space era. Beyond the raw numbers, each finalist brings a distinct storyline to the MVP conversation. Gilgeous‑Alexander has been the catalyst for Oklahoma City’s resurgence, guiding a young roster to a playoff berth and delivering clutch performances in high‑pressure moments. His scoring average has hovered around 30 points per game, and his efficiency—reflected in a career‑high true shooting percentage—demonstrates that his impact is not merely volume‑based but also highly effective.
Jokic, on the other hand, continues to redefine the center position with his unparalleled passing vision. In the 2024 season he averaged a near‑triple‑double, posting roughly 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists per contest, while maintaining a player‑efficiency rating (PER) that consistently ranks among the league’s elite.
His leadership style, characterized by calmness and an unselfish approach, has turned the Denver Nuggets into perennial contenders. The MVP race also reflects broader trends in the NBA’s evolution. The league’s increasing emphasis on positionless basketball, three‑point shooting, and versatile big men has opened the door for players like Wembanyama, whose skill set straddles traditional roles. International scouting has become more sophisticated, with teams investing heavily in overseas talent pipelines, leading to a deeper pool of elite players from Europe, Africa and Canada.
This globalization has not only diversified the style of play but also enriched the cultural tapestry of the NBA, as fans worldwide rally behind athletes who share their heritage. As the regular season draws to a close, the voting process—conducted by a panel of sportswriters, broadcasters and former players—will weigh statistical achievements, team success, and narrative impact.
While the final tally will not be released until after the playoffs, the current consensus among analysts suggests a tight contest. Some argue that Jokic’s sustained excellence and his role in keeping Denver competitive give him a slight edge, while others point to Gilgeous‑Alexander’s breakthrough year and his potential to repeat as champion. Wembanyama, despite his youth, has already demonstrated a capacity to dominate at the highest level, and his historic playoff debut may sway voters who value breakthrough performances.
Fans eager to follow the MVP showdown can tune in to Sky Sports, which will broadcast live NBA action, including the upcoming 2026 playoffs. The network’s schedule lists a marquee matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sky Sports+ at 11 p.m. on Monday, offering viewers another opportunity to see these elite players in action.
In addition to live games, Sky Sports provides highlights, analysis and behind‑the‑scenes content that delves into the storylines shaping the MVP race. Regardless of who ultimately receives the trophy, the 2024‑25 season will be remembered as a milestone in the league’s ongoing internationalization.
The trio of Wembanyama, Gilgeous‑Alexander and Jokic embodies the global reach of basketball, showcasing how talent from across continents can converge on the world’s biggest stage and compete for its highest honors. Their performances not only entertain but also inspire the next generation of players, proving that the path to NBA greatness is no longer confined by geography.