Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Nikola Jokić have been named the three finalists for this season's NBA Most Valuable Player award. Their selection continues an eight‑year streak in which the league’s top honor has gone to a player born outside the United States. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, entered the season as the defending MVP and now has a chance to become the first back‑to‑back winner since the award’s modern era began. Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets, is chasing a historic fourth MVP title, having already secured the trophy in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
Meanwhile, the teenage phenom Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, who also appears on the shortlist for Defensive Player of the Year, is seeking his inaugural MVP accolade. The international dominance of the MVP award began in 2019 when Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek‑Nigerian, captured the honor. He repeated the feat in 2020, establishing a new benchmark for global talent in the league. Jokić, hailing from Serbia, added his name to the list with three consecutive wins, while Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid—originally from Cameroon and now a naturalized U.S.
citizen—earned the 2023 award. Gilgeous‑Alexander, born in Canada, closed the most recent cycle with his 2024 MVP performance. Wembanyama’s rise has been meteoric.
In his first postseason appearance, the 7‑foot‑4 forward poured in 35 points on Sunday night, shattering the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise record for most points scored in a playoff debut. His effort helped the Spurs defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 111‑98 in Game 1, signaling that the young star can deliver on the biggest stages. Beyond scoring, Wembanyama’s unique blend of size, shooting range, shot‑blocking and ball‑handling has forced opponents to redesign defensive schemes, making his impact feel far larger than his rookie status might suggest.
The MVP race this year is notable not only for its international flavor but also for the contrasting styles of the three candidates. Gilgeous‑Alexander is a dynamic guard who combines explosive athleticism with a calm, methodical approach to decision‑making.
He averages near‑career highs in points, assists and efficiency, while also elevating the Thunder’s overall performance, turning a young, rebuilding roster into a legitimate playoff contender. Jokić, on the other hand, is the archetype of a modern big man: a passer first, a scorer second, and an exceptional rebounder. His ability to orchestrate Denver’s offense from the post, often acting as a point‑center, has redefined how teams view the center position.
Finally, Wembanyama offers a rare mix of rim protection and perimeter shooting, a skill set that could, if fully realized, make him the most versatile player the NBA has ever seen. The broader context of the MVP discussion also touches on the league’s growing global outreach. Over the past decade, the NBA has expanded its television and digital footprint into Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, cultivating a worldwide fan base that increasingly identifies with non‑American stars. The continued presence of international players at the pinnacle of individual awards reinforces the NBA’s brand as a truly global competition, and it encourages young athletes from every continent to view the league as an attainable goal.
Looking ahead, the final voting will take place after the regular season concludes, with media members, former players and league executives casting their ballots. Historically, the award has been decided by a combination of statistical dominance, team success and narrative momentum. Gilgeous‑Alexander’s Thunder must maintain their playoff push, Jokić’s Nuggets need to stay atop the Western Conference, and Wembanyama’s Spurs will aim to extend their postseason run while showcasing his all‑around brilliance.
Fans eager to follow the drama can catch live NBA action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the remaining regular‑season games as well as the 2026 playoffs. Highlights, analysis and exclusive interviews will be available through the network’s streaming platform, Sky Sports+, starting at 11 p.m. on Monday evenings.
The coverage will include the upcoming matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, offering another opportunity to see the MVP finalists in action as they strive to lead their teams deeper into the postseason.