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The competition for the MVP trophy is intensifying, not just between American players but with a significant international presence.
Currently, the NBA’s top individual accolade is predominantly held by international athletes, a trend that appears set to persist through the 2025-26 season.
The last time an American player claimed the award was in 2018, when James Harden took home the honor. Since that year, international players have not only dominated the MVP race but also occupied the top voting positions. For instance, last season’s leading vote recipients were all international athletes: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The most recent American finalist in the voting was Stephen Curry, who finished third in the 2020-21 season.
This indicates a stronghold and a virtual monopoly. It’s also worth noting that many of the top international contenders are still well within their prime playing years.
Here’s a look at the top five international players, arranged alphabetically, as they vie for the Kia MVP in the upcoming season:
Giannis Antetokounmpo has already won two MVPs before reaching 26, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and has remained a consistent contender since his second win in 2020. Had it not been for Jokić’s stellar play, there’s little doubt Antetokounmpo would have additional MVPs to his name.
His continued favoritism in the race is evident, given his exceptional influence on both defense and offense. Antetokounmpo excels in this area and shows no signs of decline. Over the last four seasons, despite not winning, he has averaged an impressive 30.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
However, as he heads into the 2025-26 season, the viability of the Bucks as a competitive team poses a significant hurdle. Since their championship in 2021, Antetokounmpo has not received the best support; Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez have aged, the draft hasn’t yielded impactful new players, and Jrue Holiday’s trade for Damian Lillard didn’t yield expected results (leading to Lillard’s waiver). Antetokounmpo may require more than just Myles Turner to secure a leading position in the Eastern Conference.
How far can the Lakers go in 2025-26 with superstar Luka Dončić at the helm?
Among the non-MVPs in the league, Dončić seems most likely to clinch the award and could potentially win several during his career. With improved conditioning and full command of the Lakers—now his team since LeBron—Dončić is set up to be a formidable contender in 2025-26.
He is among a select few players capable of averaging a triple-double, which alone makes him a compelling candidate. If he achieves that while leading the league in scoring or assists and guiding the Lakers to 50 wins, it would be challenging for other contenders to surpass him.
If Dončić manages to position himself as a frontrunner for MVP—he finished third in voting two seasons ago—he may have a slight advantage with certain voters who could feel that it is his turn if the competition is tight. Focusing on his fitness has made him acutely aware that this is his moment.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered elite territory after capturing both regular-season and Finals MVP awards, along with the scoring title.
The current MVP is on a remarkable streak, having claimed every significant accolade and championship in the 2024-25 season. The game appears to be flowing smoothly for him.
He could re-enter the MVP conversation if he stays among the scoring leaders while also making defensive contributions. Naturally, his team’s performance—what distinguished him in last season’s race—will play a crucial role. In this regard, Gilgeous-Alexander may have an advantage as the Thunder continue to be a young and formidable team.
Repeatedly winning the MVP is a challenging feat, as perceptions from the previous season often influence the decision-making process. It may seem difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander to outperform his 2024-25 season, but if he approaches those numbers, he could mount a strong case for a repeat.
He has been a top-two finisher for MVP for the last five years, setting a record, and holds three career MVPs. There’s a chance that his best performances are still ahead, and that is where Jokić stands, showcasing a legendary stretch of play.
Nikola Jokić possesses all the credentials for a fourth MVP title. The Nuggets, after a summer of adjustment, appear ready for another 50-win season and could secure a top-two seed. Jokić remains at his peak, coming off a season where he ranked third in scoring (29.6 ppg), 12th in rebounding (12.7 rpg), second in assists (10.2 apg), and fifth in steals (1.8 spg).
The only potential drawback may be voter fatigue, but he might gain sympathy following his previous near-wins. Regardless, it would be surprising if “The Joker” isn’t in the MVP conversation.
Is it too soon? Perhaps, but only by a margin. It’s widely accepted that once the Spurs start to compete, Victor Wembanyama will become a significant presence in the MVP dialogue. It’s merely a matter of time.
He seems poised to rack up multiple Kia Defensive Player of the Year awards, irrespective of the Spurs’ standings, and he likely would have taken home the award last season had he met the 65-game minimum for consideration.
Wembanyama is already making an impact defensively (which boosts his MVP prospects), and his offensive game is advancing rapidly. He has the potential to average 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, along with a few assists and steals. Combined with a winning record, this formula has MVP written all over it.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email, browse his archive, and follow him on Twitter.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.
