International Dominance in the NBA: MVP to be Non-American for Eighth Straight Year

The NBA has confirmed that for the eighth consecutive year, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award will go to a non-American player. The three finalists announced are Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Serbian Nikola Jokic, and French phenom Victor Wembanyama.

This trend underscores the growing international dominance within the league. The last American player to claim the prestigious award was James Harden in the 2017/2018 season, during his tenure with the Rockets. Since then, the accolade has been won by Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019 and 2020), Nikola Jokic (2021, 2022, and 2024), Joel Embiid (2023), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025).

The influence of international players has been steadily increasing. For comparison, when Harden was crowned MVP, the league's All-NBA First Team was exclusively American, featuring Harden alongside Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. In stark contrast, over the past four years, only three domestic players have made this elite selection: Jayson Tatum (four times), Devin Booker (in 2022), and Donovan Mitchell (in 2025).

This season, with Tatum sidelined from All-NBA consideration due to injury, American representation might fall to Jaylen Brown and Cade Cunningham, the latter eligible despite not meeting the 65-game minimum. However, four of the five spots on the All-NBA First Team appear to be already earmarked for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Wembanyama, and Doncic.

Foreign dominance is also reflected in the season's key individual statistics. Lakers point guard Luka Doncic led the league in scoring (33.5 points per game), while Nuggets center Nikola Jokic topped the charts in rebounds (12.9) and assists (10.7). Meanwhile, Spurs' young sensation Victor Wembanyama stood out with the most blocks (3.1), also emerging as a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Beyond the MVP award, other significant accolades are expected to go to international players, such as Defensive Player of the Year (Wembanyama), Clutch Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player (MIP), with Nickeil Alexander and Deni Avdija among the nominees. The Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards appear to be the distinctions that will remain with American players.