Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Nikola Jokić have been officially named the three finalists for this season's NBA Most Valuable Player award. Their selection continues a remarkable trend: for the eighth year in a row, the league’s top honor will be claimed by a player born outside the United States.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, who leads the Oklahoma City Thunder and entered the season as the defending MVP, is vying for a rare back‑to‑back victory. If he succeeds, he will join an elite group of players who have captured the MVP trophy in consecutive years, a feat that underscores both his consistency and his impact on the court.
Nikola Jokić, the Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets, is chasing his fourth MVP title. He previously secured the award in 2021, 2022 and again in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile and efficient big men in modern basketball. Jokić’s blend of scoring, rebounding, playmaking and basketball IQ has made him a perennial favorite among voters, and his 2025 campaign appears poised to add another chapter to his already impressive résumé. The youngest of the trio, Victor Wembanyama, is making a historic push for his first MVP while also being a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
The 7‑foot‑4 French phenom has turned heads since being drafted, and his recent playoff debut only amplified the buzz. In his first postseason game, Wembanyama poured in 35 points, setting a new franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs for the most points scored in a playoff debut. The Spurs’ 111‑98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers not only highlighted his scoring prowess but also showcased his ability to dominate both ends of the floor with his length, shot‑blocking, and perimeter shooting. The international streak of MVP winners began in 2019 when Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek‑Nigerian forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, captured the award.
Giannis repeated the honor in 2020, establishing a precedent for non‑American players to dominate the league’s highest individual accolade. Following Giannis, Serbian center Nikola Jokić took the mantle in 2021 and 2022, while Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid—born in Cameroon and later naturalized as a U.S. citizen—earned the MVP in 2023.
Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander added his name to the list in 2024, and now the 2025 race is once again a showcase of global talent. Wembanyama’s rise is particularly noteworthy because it signals a new generation of international stars influencing the NBA’s competitive landscape.
His unique skill set—combining elite rim protection, a soft shooting touch from distance, and the ability to handle the ball like a guard—has forced traditional positions to evolve. Analysts predict that if he continues to develop at his current pace, he could become the league’s most dominant two‑way player, a narrative that bolsters his MVP candidacy despite his relative inexperience compared to the seasoned veterans in the mix. Beyond individual accolades, the MVP race also reflects broader themes within the NBA, such as the growing importance of versatile big men, the rise of guard‑forward hybrids, and the league’s increasingly global fan base.
Jokić’s playmaking from the post has redefined how centers can influence a game, while Gilgeous‑Alexander’s blend of scoring, leadership, and defensive intensity exemplifies the modern guard’s responsibilities. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s emergence underscores the NBA’s scouting reach, proving that elite talent can be discovered and nurtured from virtually any corner of the world. Fans eager to follow the unfolding drama can catch live NBA action on Sky Sports, which continues to broadcast games throughout the season and into the playoffs.
The network also offers highlights, analysis, and streaming options that are contract‑free, allowing viewers to stay up‑to‑date with every pivotal moment. The 2026 NBA playoffs, for instance, will be available on Sky Sports+, with the Toronto Raptors facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at 11 p.m.
on Monday, showcasing the league’s commitment to delivering high‑quality basketball to a worldwide audience. In summary, the MVP finalists—Wembanyama, Gilgeous‑Alexander and Jokić—represent the pinnacle of international excellence in the NBA.
Their distinct styles, achievements, and narratives not only make for compelling individual stories but also illustrate the evolving, global nature of professional basketball. Whether the award ultimately goes to the seasoned Serbian veteran, the defending Canadian guard, or the breakout French sensation, the 2025 MVP race will be remembered as another chapter in the NBA’s rich tapestry of international talent.