The 2026 NBA MVP Race is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling campaigns in recent memory. With defending champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aiming to repeat, Nikola Jokic looking to reclaim the crown, and Luka Doncic entering his first full season with the Lakers, the season promises intense competition.
Player availability, health, and team success are all crucial, as each must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for MVP voting. Over the last decade, MVP battles have produced unforgettable moments, and this season is no different.
10. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero is emerging as the cornerstone of the Orlando Magic. In 2024–25, he averaged 25.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, even after an early-season oblique injury. His post-All-Star performance highlighted his improved shooting efficiency, including 33.3% from three and 58.3% true shooting. With Desmond Bane joining the Magic, Banchero now has a reliable perimeter shooter and playmaker, increasing his impact and efficiency. If he maintains health and continues producing, he could become a notable contender in the 2026 NBA MVP Race.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Three-Point % | True Shooting % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | Forward | 25.9 | 7.5 | 4.1 | 65 | 33.3% | 58.3% |
9. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell was having a standout season before a knee injury cut his 2024–25 campaign short. He averaged 28 points and 6.2 assists, propelling Cleveland into playoff contention. Despite his numbers dipping after returning, Mitchell still earned First-Team All-NBA honors, proving his high-level impact. If he stays healthy and central to Cleveland’s offense, he remains a serious contender in the 2026 NBA MVP Race.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Steals | FG % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Guard | 28.0 | 4.5 | 6.2 | 66 | 1.5 | 49% |
8. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons to their first playoff win in 17 years, averaging 26+ points and 9+ assists, joining Jokic as one of the only players to achieve those marks. He also earned his first All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honors. By improving his three-point shooting and reducing turnovers, Cunningham could climb higher in the 2026 NBA MVP Race, highlighting his all-around offensive ability and leadership.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Three-Point % | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | Guard | 26.3 | 7.2 | 9.1 | 72 | 36% | 3.8 |
7. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
With key injuries sidelining teammates, Jalen Brunson could carry the Knicks to the top seed in the East. Last season, he averaged 26 points and 7.3 assists, winning the Clutch Player of the Year award. If Brunson continues to drive New York’s offense while maintaining his high-level production, he could make a strong impact in the 2026 NBA MVP Race, potentially propelling the Knicks deep into the playoffs.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Clutch Rating | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | PG | 26.0 | 4.8 | 7.3 | 74 | 9.2 | 1.2 |
6. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards has solidified his status as the leader of the Timberwolves. He led the league in three-point attempts, making 320 triples, while posting career-best efficiency. With back-to-back top-7 MVP finishes, Edwards has all the credentials to stay in the 2026 NBA MVP Race, provided the Timberwolves remain contenders and he maintains his scoring and leadership levels.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Three-Point Made | FG % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Guard | 27.1 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 75 | 320 | 51% |
5. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama’s 2024–25 season was cut short by a shoulder blood clot, but in 46 games, he averaged 24.3 points while continuing to dominate defensively. With improved chemistry alongside De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama has the tools to make a serious impact in the 2026 NBA MVP Race. If he stays healthy, he could emerge as one of the league’s most influential two-way players.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Blocks | FG % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Spurs | Center | 24.3 | 9.8 | 3.1 | 46 | 2.8 | 55% |
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo aims for a third MVP, with his success tied to Milwaukee’s return to the top of the East. The Bucks reshaped their roster, adding Myles Turner and retaining key players. Giannis’s all-around game, ability to anchor both offense and defense, and consistent dominance make him a perennial candidate in the 2026 NBA MVP Race, especially if Milwaukee achieves team success.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | FG % | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | Forward | 29.4 | 11.2 | 6.1 | 72 | 56% | 30 |
3. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic begins his first full season with the Lakers after a high-profile trade. With LeBron James expected to play a secondary role, Doncic’s leadership and on-court performance will define Los Angeles’ success. Supported by Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, Doncic has a clear path to become a top contender in the 2026 NBA MVP Race if he drives the Lakers into Western Conference contention.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | FG % | Three-Point % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | Guard | 31.5 | 8.9 | 8.0 | 73 | 52% | 36% |
2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic remains Denver’s centerpiece, with new additions strengthening the supporting cast. After a narrow 4-3 Conference Finals loss to the Thunder, Jokic is poised for another high-level season. His elite playmaking, scoring, and leadership make him a frontrunner in the 2026 NBA MVP Race, as he continues to orchestrate Denver’s offense with unmatched basketball IQ.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | FG % | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | Center | 27.8 | 11.0 | 8.5 | 74 | 57% | 32 |
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the favorite in the 2026 NBA MVP Race. Last season, he became the first player to win a scoring title, regular season MVP, Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP in a single year. Averaging 32.7 points per game and finishing second in steals with 131, SGA leads Oklahoma City as it aims to defend its championship. His versatility, scoring, and leadership make him the top contender this season.
State & Records :
| Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Games Played | Steals | FG % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Guard | 32.7 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 76 | 131 | 53% |
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FAQs-2026 NBA MVP Race
1. Who are the top contenders?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Edwards lead the field, with others like Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson also in the mix.
2.Who is the frontrunner?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, after a historic 2024–25 season, is the top favorite in the 2026 NBA MVP Race.
3.Does team performance matter?
Yes. Most MVPs come from teams winning 50+ games, so team success boosts a player’s chances.
4.How is MVP decided?
The MVP is voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters, considering stats, team success, and overall impact. Players must play at least 65 games.