Wembanyama refuses to endorse sports betting companies

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has drawn a firm line when it comes to commercial deals in the gambling industry. Despite landing several marquee partnerships since arriving in the NBA, the French sensation emphasized that he has no intention of aligning his brand with sports betting operators or prediction markets.

Asked by reporters about the prospect of partnering with companies in the sector, Wemby was unequivocal: "Absolutely not. I will never do that. Honestly, I think it's very sad to see some players promote that. Everyone does what they want, but count me out."

The 22-year-old San Antonio star also broke down the principles guiding his endorsement decisions, prioritizing ethics over financial incentives. "In the past, there was a financial dimension. Not anymore. Having said that, I've turned down way, way more money than I've actually made, for things that didn't align with my values."

"Now I want to promote things that have a positive impact, that carry good influence, and through which I can share messages and values. Obviously, we make millions and millions, but that's not our greatest strength. Our greatest strength is to inspire. I want to inspire in a positive way. That's the most powerful thing I can do."

Wembanyama's current sponsorship portfolio includes major brands such as Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Fanatics, alongside serving as the cover athlete for Electronic Arts' upcoming video game "NBA 2K27."

The Frenchman's firm stance stands in contrast to recent trends across the league, where several marquee names have signed deals with betting platforms. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the faces of Kalshi and holds an equity stake in the firm, which frequently offers prediction markets tied to NBA transactions, occasionally involving the player himself.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, following a prior partnership with DraftKings, recently signed a deal with Polymarket worth $15 million annually (€13.223 million)—eclipsing the $3.877 million (€3.418 million) salary he is earning from the 76ers this season. In addition, Kevin Durant's media company Boardroom holds a long-standing tie with FanDuel, while Nikola Jokic serves as an ambassador for Serbian platform Superbet.

The growing player involvement has not gone unnoticed by league executives. In February, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed Antetokounmpo's partnership with Kalshi via Yahoo Sports: "Currently, we look at prediction markets the same way we do sports betting companies. In Giannis' case, it's a tiny investment... We need to have better oversight over all the activity taking place."

Under the league's current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), NBA players are permitted to invest in and endorse sports betting companies and prediction markets, provided they do not place wagers on NBA games or league-related events.

Sports betting has sparked multiple controversies across American basketball, including federal charges involving then-Heat guard Terry Rozier and Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones. The most severe case resulted in a lifetime ban for former Raptors forward Jontay Porter. In addition to these scandals, mounting player harassment and threats from frustrated bettors prompted the NBA to join forces with other major sports leagues last month to demand enhanced protections.