The start of the 2025-26 NBA season brings with it another compelling storyline: the continued dominance of international stars in the league’s most prestigious individual honor, the Kia MVP. For nearly a decade, the trophy has been firmly in the hands of global players, with the last American winner being James Harden in 2018.
Heading into the NBA MVP Race 2025-26, it is clear that the international takeover is not only ongoing but strengthening. Last season’s top three vote-getters — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo — all hail from outside the United States. With most of these superstars still in their prime, the coming season should once again highlight the global shift at the top of the NBA hierarchy.
Table of Contents
Below are five international players best positioned to contend for the Kia MVP in the NBA MVP Race 2025-26.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) – Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be one of the most complete and impactful players in the NBA, solidifying his position as a leading contender in the NBA MVP Race 2025-26. Known for his scoring efficiency, relentless rebounding, and defensive dominance, Giannis influences nearly every facet of the game on both ends of the floor. Even without top-tier roster support, he consistently delivers elite statistics and leadership, keeping the Milwaukee Bucks competitive in the Eastern Conference.
His versatility, combined with the ability to perform in clutch moments, makes him a perennial MVP candidate, capable of carrying his team deep into the playoffs while maintaining individual excellence.
- MVP Resume: 2x MVP (2019, 2020)
- Key Strengths: Two-way versatility, elite rebounding, rim scoring
- Stat Profile: 30.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG
- MVP Chances: High if Bucks finish as a top seed in the East
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Landscape Table
| Player | Country | Team | MVPs Won | Key Strengths | Average Stats (Last 4 Seasons) | 2025-26 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Greece | Milwaukee Bucks | 2 | Two-way dominance, rebounding, scoring | 30.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG | Strong contender if Bucks remain top East |
Luka Dončić (Slovenia) – Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Dončić now serves as the undisputed leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, positioning himself as a frontrunner in the NBA MVP Race 2025-26. His rare ability to average a triple-double while consistently leading the team in both scoring and assists sets him apart as one of the most versatile and impactful players in the league. Beyond the numbers, Dončić’s poise in clutch moments, court vision, and ability to elevate his teammates make him a compelling MVP candidate.
As he takes full ownership of the Lakers’ offense and continues to refine his all-around game, Dončić has the perfect combination of statistical dominance and narrative appeal to compete strongly for the prestigious Kia MVP award this season.
- MVP Resume: 3rd place MVP (2023-24)
- Key Strengths: Triple-doubles, playmaking, clutch scoring
- Stat Profile: Projected 30+ PPG, 10 RPG, 9+ APG
- MVP Chances: Excellent if Lakers exceed 50 wins
Luka Dončić – Landscape Table
| Player | Country | Team | MVPs Won | Key Strengths | Projected Stats 2025-26 | 2025-26 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić | Slovenia | Los Angeles Lakers | 0 | Triple-doubles, playmaking, scoring | 30+ PPG, 10 RPG, 9+ APG | High if Lakers surpass 50 wins |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) – Oklahoma City Thunder
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the NBA MVP Race 2025-26 determined to defend his title and further cement his status among the league’s elite. His remarkable scoring ability, combined with tenacious defense and refined playmaking, allows him to influence every aspect of the game. Beyond individual statistics, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership has become a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder, guiding a young and talented roster while maintaining poise in high-pressure situations.
As he continues to refine his game and elevate his teammates, SGA remains one of the most compelling and well-rounded candidates in the MVP conversation, with the potential to repeat as a league-wide standout if the Thunder remain competitive throughout the season.
- MVP Resume: 2025 MVP, Finals MVP, Scoring Champion
- Key Strengths: Mid-range shooting, defense, team leadership
- Stat Profile: 31.4 PPG, 6.5 APG, 2.1 SPG
- MVP Chances: Very high; voter fatigue is the main potential hurdle
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Landscape Table
| Player | Country | Team | MVPs Won | Key Strengths | Stats Last Season | 2025-26 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Canada | Oklahoma City Thunder | 1 | Scoring, defense, leadership | 31.4 PPG, 6.5 APG, 2.1 SPG | Strong contender; repeat possible |
Nikola Jokić (Serbia) – Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić continues to exemplify consistency and elite performance, making him a leading contender in the NBA MVP Race 2025-26. Renowned for his unparalleled versatility as a big man, Jokić combines exceptional passing, scoring, and rebounding with a high basketball IQ that allows him to control the flow of the game.
His unique ability to serve as both a primary playmaker and a dominant scorer distinguishes him from other players in the league. Entering the 2025-26 season, Jokić remains a central figure for the Denver Nuggets, whose success heavily relies on his all-around contributions. Even with voter fatigue as a potential factor, his sustained excellence and ability to impact every facet of the game make him an enduring favorite in the MVP conversation.
- MVP Resume: 3x MVP (2021, 2022, 2023)
- Key Strengths: Playmaking, rebounding, scoring efficiency
- Stat Profile: 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.8 SPG
- MVP Chances: Excellent; voter fatigue may slightly impact odds
Nikola Jokić – Landscape Table
| Player | Country | Team | MVPs Won | Key Strengths | Stats Last Season | 2025-26 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | Serbia | Denver Nuggets | 3 | Passing, rebounding, scoring | 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.8 SPG | Strong contender; historical consistency |
Victor Wembanyama (France) – San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama enters the NBA MVP Race 2025-26 as a generational talent with the potential to reshape the landscape of the league. Standing out for his exceptional defensive presence, shot-blocking ability, and rim protection, he already alters opponents’ game plans simply by being on the floor.
Offensively, Wembanyama has shown rapid growth, developing a versatile scoring arsenal that includes long-range shooting, post moves, and playmaking for teammates. Despite being in the early stages of his career, his rare combination of size, agility, and skill makes him an unprecedented two-way player and a legitimate MVP contender, particularly if the San Antonio Spurs achieve playoff success and he maintains consistent elite-level performance throughout the season.
- MVP Resume: Rising star, Rookie of the Year finalist (2024)
- Key Strengths: Shot-blocking, rim protection, growing scoring
- Stat Profile: Projected 25 PPG, 10 RPG, 3 BPG, plus assists/steals
- MVP Chances: Moderate to strong; dependent on Spurs’ playoff performance
Victor Wembanyama – Landscape Table
| Player | Country | Team | MVPs Won | Key Strengths | Projected Stats 2025-26 | 2025-26 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | France | San Antonio Spurs | 0 | Defense, shot-blocking, offense | 25 PPG, 10 RPG, 3 BPG + assists/steals | Contender if Spurs make playoffs |
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Conclusion: The NBA MVP Race 2025-26 Outlook
The NBA MVP Race 2025-26 is set to showcase the ongoing dominance of international players. Giannis and Jokić bring proven excellence, Dončić has both narrative and numbers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seeks a repeat, and Wembanyama represents the next generation.
The MVP trophy is likely to remain in international hands, making the NBA MVP Race 2025-26 one of the most competitive and compelling in recent history.
Frequently Asked Questions – NBA MVP Race 2025-26
1.Who are the top international MVP contenders?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama are the leading international players competing for the Kia MVP in 2025-26.
2.Does team performance affect MVP chances?
Yes. Players on winning teams with strong playoff positioning have higher chances of earning MVP votes, while those on struggling teams may see their odds decrease.
3.Can a reigning MVP repeat?
Yes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could defend his title if he maintains elite stats, defensive impact, and leads the Thunder to another successful season.
4.Why is Victor Wembanyama a unique candidate?
His combination of size, defense, and developing offense makes him a rare two-way player and a strong contender if the Spurs reach the playoffs.
5.Who is favored to win the NBA MVP Race 2025-26?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić are favorites due to consistency and team leadership, while Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama remain strong challengers.
