The news
Per @ShamsCharania, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been voted the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season, marking the second consecutive year the Canadian superstar has claimed the league's top individual honor. Additional confirmations from major outlets, including ESPN and CBS Sports, have solidified the report ahead of the league's official announcement scheduled for Sunday evening. This victory concludes a hotly debated race that featured a rotating cast of candidates throughout the winter months.
The official announcement of the winner is set to come at Sunday at 7:30 p.m., where the voting totals and point distributions will be revealed to the public. Gilgeous-Alexander remains the premier force in the league’s current era of international stars, successfully maintaining his status as the defending winner against elite competition throughout the 82-game schedule.
Prior context
Gilgeous-Alexander’s repeat victory is the culmination of a historically prolific campaign that saw him join the most elite scoring tiers in basketball history. He became just the 12th player in NBA history to record four or more 50-point games in a single season, highlighting a level of offensive dominance that few in the modern era can match. He also demonstrated his value in high-stakes matchups, such as a March 12 performance where he tallied 34 points and seven assists to help secure a win against the Boston Celtics.
The statistical profile Gilgeous-Alexander has built over the last several years draws direct comparisons to the game's greatest icons. Notable milestones from his historic run include:
- First player since Michael Jordan to average at least 30 points per game in four consecutive seasons.
- One of only seven players in the last 40 years to earn multiple MVP trophies by his 28th birthday.
- The first player in the Oklahoma City era to win back-to-back awards since Russell Westbrook in 2017.
What it means
This achievement officially solidifies Oklahoma City’s championship window and confirms Gilgeous-Alexander’s place as one of the game's all-time greats. By securing back-to-back trophies, he has matched statistical milestones not seen since Michael Jordan’s prime. The win also underscores the continuing trend of international stars leading the league, as the Canadian guard remains the premier force in the NBA.
For the Thunder franchise, having a foundational centerpiece in his prime provides an unprecedented level of stability for the roster. This honor ensures that the team remains at the center of the basketball world for the foreseeable future while validating the organization's long-term development strategy. It also establishes Gilgeous-Alexander as a global icon and a standard-bearer for the next generation of professional talent.
What to watch next
The NBA will host an official trophy presentation ceremony tonight at 7:30 p.m., where fans and analysts expect to see the full voting breakdown and Gilgeous-Alexander’s acceptance speech. This event will provide the first public celebration of a milestone that puts him among the most decorated players of his generation.
Beyond the individual accolades, the focus now shifts entirely to the postseason and the Thunder's pursuit of a world championship. While the MVP trophies solidify his regular-season legacy, the ultimate test for Gilgeous-Alexander will be his ability to lead his team to the franchise's first title in the Oklahoma City era.