Who are the 2026 NBA MVP favorites?

TL;DR

The NBA postseason is in the semifinals, with attention turning to the 2026 MVP award. Odds markets highlight several leading candidates for the prestigious title.

Key points

NBA postseason is in the semifinals
Attention shifting to the 2026 MVP award
Odds markets highlight leading candidates

The NBA postseason has reached the semifinals. After a dramatic Sunday featuring two Game 7s, the next round tips off Tuesday.

Attention will soon shift to the NBA Draft Lottery and the league’s annual awards. Several players are in contention across multiple categories, but none carries more prestige than the Most Valuable Player award.

MORE: NBA playoffs power rankings in round 2

Odds markets have identified the leading candidates — but who will take home the 2026 NBA MVP?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The overwhelming favorite is Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. One year after winning his first MVP in 2025, he followed it up with his first championship and earned NBA Finals MVP honors.

Gilgeous-Alexander ranked 2nd in the league this season in points per game. This pushed Oklahoma City to a 64-18 record and the first seed in the Western Conference.

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The league hasn’t had a repeat MVP since 2022, and Gilgeous-Alexander made a strong case this season, finishing second in points per game. Can he become the first player in four years to win back-to-back MVP awards?

Nikola Jokic

The last player to win consecutive MVPs? Nikola Jokic. He secured his second—and third overall—MVP in 2022.

Now the Denver Nuggets star is once again among the favorites. Jokic led the league in both rebounds and assists per game during the 2025–26 season, continuing his dominant all-around play.

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Will he add a fourth MVP to his resume?

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has also emerged as a serious contender. After an impressive season, he has positioned himself for a potential first NBA MVP win.

Wembanyama ranked 13th in points per game and fourth in rebounds, anchoring the Spurs’ remarkable 62–20 season and deep playoff run. Can the young phenom capture the first MVP of his career?

Q&A

Who are the top contenders for the 2026 NBA MVP award?

The leading candidates for the 2026 NBA MVP award have been identified by odds markets, though specific names are not mentioned in the excerpt.

When will the NBA MVP award be announced for 2026?

The NBA MVP award for 2026 will be announced following the conclusion of the NBA postseason and the annual awards ceremony.

What events are happening in the NBA leading up to the 2026 MVP award?

The NBA postseason is currently in the semifinals, and attention will soon shift to the NBA Draft Lottery and the league's annual awards.