Story perspectives

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins 2025-26 NBA MVP

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season, receiving 83 first-place votes.
The award, decided by a 100-member media panel on May 17 2026, gave Victor Wembanyama five first-place votes and recognized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.1 points per game and his Clutch Player of the Year honor.
Victor Wembanyama posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, three blocks and a game-sealing block in the Spurs’ 122-115 Game 1 double-overtime win over the Thunder.

History

Historical Context

Since the MVP award began in 1955-56, voting shifted from players to a media panel, and in 2022-23 the trophy was renamed the Michael Jordan Trophy. Jordan’s 1995-96 MVP came as he led Chicago to a 72-10 season, a benchmark still cited when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captured the 2025-26 MVP, underscoring the award’s media-driven legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season, receiving 83 first-place votes.
The award, decided by a 100-member media panel on May 17 2026, gave Victor Wembanyama five first-place votes and recognized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.1 points per game and his Clutch Player of the Year honor.
Victor Wembanyama posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, three blocks and a game-sealing block in the Spurs’ 122-115 Game 1 double-overtime win over the Thunder.

1 / 2