The 2025-26 NBA season is off to a thrilling start, and the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is already heating up. Unsurprisingly, international stars are once again at the forefront, with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the pack. After winning the award last season, he has continued his brilliant form but faces stiff competition from other global talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Dončić.
This season’s early MVP leaderboard highlights a major trend in modern basketball: the dominance of players from around the world. For the last seven seasons, the league’s top individual honor has been awarded to a player born outside of the United States. This shows how basketball has grown into a truly global sport, attracting incredible athletes from countries like Canada, Serbia, Greece, and France, who are raising the level of competition and excitement for fans everywhere.
👑 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sets the Pace
As the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has started the season in incredible form, showing no signs of slowing down. He is averaging an impressive 33.3 points per game and led the Thunder to an eight-game winning streak to open the season. His ability to score consistently while leading his team makes him the early favorite to win the award again. His coach, Mark Daigneault, praised his work ethic, saying, “when the lights are on and you see consistent performance, it’s backed by consistent and disciplined practice.”
💪 Established Superstars in Close Pursuit
Chasing the top spot are two-time MVP winners Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić. Antetokounmpo is carrying a heavy load for the Bucks, putting up massive numbers with 32.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. He often needs to deliver huge performances to give his team a chance to win. Meanwhile, Jokić continues to be a triple-double machine for the Nuggets, averaging 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 12.0 assists. His all-around game and incredible court vision make him one of the most valuable players in the league year after year.
✨ Dazzling Talents Making Waves
Two other international stars are also making a strong case. French rookie Victor Wembanyama has taken the league by storm with the Spurs, putting up amazing stats (25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.1 blocks) and showing why many believe he is a future MVP. Elsewhere, Luka Dončić of the Lakers has been on a scoring tear, opening the season with three straight 40-point games. His biggest challenge will be staying healthy, as players must play at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards.
The Next 5:
6. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls 7. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers 8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers 9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors 10. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
