International Stars Dominate Early MVP Race in 2025-26 NBA Season

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — As the 2025-26 NBA season begins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on a remarkable scoring streak and holding the top position in the Kia MVP chase. This comes in a season where foreign-born players are making their mark at the highest level of professional basketball.

The shift towards a global game has been significant since former NBA commissioner David Stern advocated for including foreign players decades ago. It has not only opened the NBA to international talent but has also fueled a growing worldwide interest in basketball.

Currently, non-U.S.-born players occupy the first six spots in this week’s Kia MVP Ladder, indicating a shift in dominance. Notably, James Harden was the last American player to win the MVP award in the 2017-18 season.

In this week’s MVP rankings, Gilgeous-Alexander leads with an impressive average of 33.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His scoring ability has boosted the Oklahoma City Thunder to a strong start, remaining undefeated after seven games.

“His life is so consistent in terms of routine,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said about Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance. “When the lights are on, you see consistent performance, backed by consistent and disciplined practice.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s closest competitors include Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić, marking a resurgence of international players in the MVP conversation. Antetokounmpo has stepped up considerably for the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his ability to dominate despite a lack of support from his teammates.

Jokić, the reigning triple-double machine, continues to impress with his well-rounded game, averaging a near triple-double himself in this early season. His achievements over the past five years have solidified his place among the greats.

Additionally, Luka Dončić’s return from injury has been marked by standout performances, though physical issues have raised concerns about his availability. Still, he has continued to draw attention with standout scoring efforts, making the upcoming matchup against Gilgeous-Alexander a must-watch.

The league is filled with excitement as foreign talent elevates the NBA’s profile and analytics come into play during the MVP discussion. The focus on this year’s MVP race shines a light not just on individual talents but on the transformation of basketball into a truly global sport.

The premiere position in the MVP Ladder showcases not just individual accomplishments but also the far-reaching impact of international players in shaping the future of the NBA.