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 honor has gone to a player born outside the United States. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, entered the campaign as the defending MVP after capturing the trophy last season. He now has a realistic shot at becoming the first player in recent memory to repeat as the league's most valuable athlete.
Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center who anchors the Denver Nuggets, is seeking an unprecedented fourth MVP title, having already secured the award in 2021, 2022 and 2024. The third nominee, Victor Wembanyama, the 7‑foot‑4‑inch phenom from France, is a first‑time candidate for the MVP and also appears on the shortlist for Defensive Player of the Year. The international dominance of the MVP award began in 2019 when Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek‑Nigerian forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, won his first crown. He repeated the feat in 2020, establishing a new norm that the league’s most celebrated individual accolade would be claimed by a non‑American.
Following Giannis, the Serbian Jokić took the honor in 2021 and 2022, while the 2023 award went to Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian‑born center who later acquired U.S. citizenship and leads the Philadelphia 76ers. The most recent recipient before this year’s finalists was Gilgeous‑Alexander, who became the first Canadian to capture the MVP in 2023.
Victor Wembanyama’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After a stellar regular season that saw him dominate both ends of the floor, he made a historic splash in his first postseason appearance.
In Game 1 of the Spurs’ first‑round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama poured in 35 points, shattering the San Antonio franchise record for most points scored in a playoff debut. The Spurs triumphed 111‑98, and Wembanyball’s performance ignited conversations about his potential to become the league’s next perennial MVP. His unique combination of height, length, shooting touch and defensive versatility makes him a rare talent capable of influencing every facet of the game. Looking ahead, the MVP race is shaping up to be a compelling narrative that pits a seasoned veteran against a rising international star and a reigning champion.
Jokić’s case rests on his unparalleled playmaking ability for a big man, his efficiency, and his knack for elevating Denver’s offense through his passing corridors and high‑percentage scoring. Gilgeous‑Alexander, meanwhile, offers a blend of scoring prowess, defensive intensity and leadership that propelled the Thunder to a deep playoff run, reinforcing his claim to back‑to‑back honors.
Wembanyama’s argument hinges on his breakout postseason, his defensive impact, and the sheer novelty of his skill set, which could tip the scales in his favor despite his relative inexperience. The broader context of international players shaping the NBA’s elite accolades cannot be overstated.
Over the past decade, the league has become a truly global showcase, with talent pipelines extending from Europe, Africa, Canada and beyond. The MVP shortlist this year underscores that trend, highlighting how basketball’s most valuable contributors now hail from a diverse array of cultural backgrounds. This shift has also influenced how teams scout, develop and market their players, as franchises recognize the commercial and competitive advantages of cultivating global stars.
Fans eager to follow the MVP debate can catch live coverage on Sky Sports, which continues to broadcast NBA games, 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 a chance to see the finalists in action as the postseason unfolds. In addition to live games, Sky Sports provides highlight reels, in‑depth analysis and exclusive interviews that delve into the statistics, storylines and personal journeys of the MVP candidates.
As the regular season draws to a close and the playoffs commence, the conversation surrounding the MVP will intensify. Voters—including sportswriters, broadcasters and selected NBA executives—will weigh each nominee’s statistical output, team success, impact on both ends of the floor and intangible leadership qualities. While Jokić’s consistency, Gilgeous‑Alexander’s back‑to‑back candidacy, and Wembanyama’s historic debut each present compelling cases, the final decision will ultimately reflect how the league values experience versus potential, and how much weight is placed on playoff performance versus regular‑season dominance.
Regardless of who ultimately lifts the trophy, the 2025‑2026 MVP race serves as a testament to the NBA’s evolution into a worldwide arena where talent knows no borders. It celebrates the achievements of a Serbian center, a Canadian guard and a French prodigy, all of whom have captured the imagination of fans across continents. Their stories will continue to inspire the next generation of players, reinforcing the notion that the most valuable player in the NBA can emerge from any corner of the globe.