Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic named MVP finalists
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama were named finalists for this season's Most Valuable Player award.
www.espn.comThe latest NBA MVP news is that the league has officially named its 2025-26 finalists: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama.[9]
The MVP race is being described as one of the tightest in recent memory, and the league has begun rolling out end-of-season awards this week.[2][10]
What’s happening now
- The finalists were announced on April 19, 2026.[9]
- Multiple reports say the winner is expected to be revealed later in the playoffs, likely on a similar timeline to last season’s MVP announcement.[2]
- Recent coverage highlights the race as a three-way battle between the reigning MVP Gilgeous-Alexander, three-time MVP Jokić, and Wembanyama.[9]
Other award context
- The NBA has already announced other award finalists and started revealing winners on a schedule this week.[5][2]
- Wembanyama has already been announced as Defensive Player of the Year, which makes his MVP candidacy even more notable.[2]
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