Shai Gilgeous Alexander Clinches 2026 MVP, Players and Media

Merlin sees a clear favorite. In an anonymous Athletic poll of 159 players, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led MVP voting with 39 percent, followed by Nikola Jokić at 21.4 percent and Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham and Luka Dončić tied at 8.2 percent. Voters praised Shai for being "super consistent" while carrying a top West team through injuries. Notable quirks: Victor Wembanyama placed sixth and Cunningham may be ineligible under the 65-game rule, while Dončić has filed an extraordinary circumstances challenge. Merlin notes the split between player and media views, but both point to Shai as the frontrunner. If he wins he becomes the first repeat MVP since Jokić and the 16th multi-MVP player. The final award could still hinge on eligibility rulings and the final regular season moments.