Top 10 MVP Contenders for the Upcoming NBA Season
As the 2026-27 NBA season kicks off, Victor Wembanyama and other superstar players are set to chase MVP honors. Here are the top candidates to watch.
2026-27 MVP Race Begins
The anticipation for the 2026-27 NBA season is palpable, especially with the MVP race already heating up. This year’s opening night features some of the league’s brightest stars, like Jayson Tatum and Cade Cunningham, leading the charge. Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks will unveil their championship banner against Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers, adding to the excitement.
However, the highlight matchup of the night will undoubtedly be between the San Antonio Spurs, spearheaded by Victor Wembanyama, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It promises to be a fantastic kickoff to a season filled with fierce competition for the MVP award.
Key Players to Watch
The MVP voting landscape has remained largely consistent in recent years, with a few names frequently appearing at the top. Nikola Jokic has dominated the scene, boasting three MVP awards since the 2020-21 season, and only Joel Embiid interrupted his reign in 2023. With four repeat winners in the last twelve years, the competition remains fierce.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is keen to etch his name among greats like Larry Bird and Bill Russell by pursuing a third consecutive MVP award. Yet, there's speculation about whether voter fatigue may touch him this season.
Top MVP Candidates
- Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 season stats: 64 games, 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks, 1.0 steals, 51.2 FG%, 34.9 3P%
Wembanyama starts the season at the top of the MVP list, having secured third place in last year’s voting. If he can stay healthy, there's no doubt he’ll remain a contender all year long. After falling short in the NBA Finals against the Knicks, Wemby aims to prove his capabilities, and with a solid support team around him, he’s poised for another stellar season. - Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 season stats: 64 games, 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 47.6 FG%, 36.6 3P%
In a revamped Lakers squad, all eyes are on Doncic. Having led the scoring charts last season, he aims to capitalize on the new weapons around him, making him a prime candidate for the MVP title. Watch out for him to excel this season alongside Austin Reaves. - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 season stats: 68 games, 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 55.3 FG%, 38.6 3P%
Gilgeous-Alexander looks to bounce back after a heartbreaking exit in the playoffs. Motivated to reclaim the Thunder’s former glory, he aims for unprecedented success while hunting for a third MVP title. His offensive prowess defines him as a key figure in the upcoming season. - Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
2025-26 season stats: 65 games, 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 56.9 FG%, 38.0 3P%
Always a fear factor when on the court, Jokic seeks to reclaim his MVP status after a break. With an impressive record of finishes at the top of MVP voting, he is once again ready to make a statement and potentially secure yet another triple-double season. - Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
2025-26 season stats: 74 games, 26.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 46.7 FG%, 36.9 3P%
The 2026 NBA Finals MVP, Brunson approaches the season with a championship mentality. Determined to elevate the Knicks to new heights, he’s hungry for recognition beyond previous MVP votes, pushing for personal and team success. - Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
2025-26 season stats: 61 games, 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 48.9 FG%, 39.9 3P%
Edwards, coming off a knee injury before, looks to channel his peak performance alongside LaMelo Ball. With less playmaking pressure on him, a more efficient scoring opportunity awaits with an aim to make a significant impact this season. - Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
2025-26 season stats: 64 games, 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 46.1 FG%, 34.2 3P%
With the Pistons retooling around him, Cunningham enters an important season hoping to build on his last impressive campaign. His leadership will be tested as he helps elevate his team to compete within a challenging Eastern Conference. - Giannis Antetokounmpo – Miami Heat
2025-26 season stats: 36 games, 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 62.4 FG%, 33.3 3P%
Now with Miami and back from injury, Giannis aims to recapture his dominant form. His drive to return to an MVP-caliber performance will have significant implications for the Heat as they look to contend for the title. - Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
2025-26 season stats: 16 games, 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 41.1 FG%, 32.9 3P%
Tatum embarks on a new journey without Jaylen Brown, finding his place as the team's primary playmaker. With the Celtics’ shooting prowess around him, he has what it takes to lead them back to the top of the standings. - Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 season stats: 70 games, 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 46.2 FG%, 36.7 3P%
Maxey is poised to step up as the 76ers’ primary target this season. With his skills and explosive playing style, he has the potential to be an MVP contender if he can carry the team effectively.
The Road Ahead
With the NBA season underway, fans can look forward to a riveting race for the MVP award. Each of these players has a unique journey ahead, and it will be intriguing to see who ultimately rises to the challenge and secures the coveted title.