The NBA MVP race is officially down to three—and it might be one of the most stacked finalist groups in recent memory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama have been named the three finalists for the 2026 MVP award, setting up a clash between dominance, consistency, and generational talent.
And there’s a bigger storyline here too—it guarantees yet another international MVP, continuing a historic trend of global dominance in the league.
Let’s break it down.
Gilgeous-Alexander enters as the favorite.
The reigning MVP has somehow elevated his game even further, averaging over 31 points per game while leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to one of the best records in the league. His clutch performances and scoring efficiency have made him the most consistent force in the NBA all season—and he’s now on the verge of going back-to-back.
Then there’s Jokic.
The three-time MVP continues to redefine what dominance looks like, putting up absurd numbers once again—nearly averaging a triple-double with around 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. If he wins, it would be his fourth MVP in six years, further cementing his place among the all-time greats.
And finally, Wembanyama.
The youngest of the group—and maybe the most terrifying. In just his third season, Wemby is averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and leading the league in blocks at 3.1 per game. Not only is he an MVP finalist, but he’s also in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, showing just how complete his impact already is.
But here’s what makes this race so compelling:
Each player represents a different kind of greatness.
SGA is elite scoring and control.
Jokic is all-around brilliance and efficiency.
Wembanyama is a two-way force with generational upside.
There’s no wrong answer.
Still, momentum seems to favor Gilgeous-Alexander, who has led the race for most of the season and continues to deliver when it matters most. But with Jokic’s historic production and Wembanyama’s late surge, nothing is guaranteed.
This isn’t just an MVP race.
It’s a battle between the present, the past, and the future of the NBA.
