NBA MVP 2025-26: Odds, Favourites, and Betting Advice

As the 2025-26 season is about to get underway, fans in the Philippines are closely tracking NBA MVP odds. As you read on, you’ll find the forerunners, along with expert analysis and betting advice to help you make the best wagering decisions possible.

How to bet on NBA MVP odds

Betting on the NBA MVP is straightforward, even if you’re a beginner. You just need to follow these simple steps to get started:

  1. Choose a licensed sportsbook: Choose a Philippines sportsbook that’s regulated and that offers competitive NBA MVP odds for the 2025-26 season. 
  2. Understand futures betting: Bettors need to remember that they are wagering on a player’s performance across the whole season, not just on one match.
  3. Compare the markets: Odds can vary vastly between sportsbooks. By checking across sites, you have a better chance of finding the best value.
  4. Track player performance: Follow stats, injuries, and team success as these will all influence the movement of MVP future lines.
  5. Place your wager responsibly: Set a budget before betting and then stick to it. This is a long-term bet, and not a quick win.

NBA MVP odds for the 2025-26 season

Graphic for the block NBA MVP odds for the 2025-26 season

The NBA MVP race is well and truly underway. For those tracking this, it’s important to know that the NBA MVP odds change continually throughout the season. Top sportsbooks in the Philippines, such as Megapari and 1XBet, update their odds based on betting trends, performance, and team standings. 

Right now, it’s Nikola Jokic leading the way. At Bet88, he has odds of 2.4, showing a 41.7% probability that he will take the MVP award. That being said, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are within touching distance.

To find the best value, it’s important to compare several sportsbooks. That way, you can be sure of finding the best odds for the NBA MVP 2025 - 26 award.

Nikola Jokic leads 2025-26 NBA MVP odds

Sportsbooks, such as Megapari and Bet88, show Nikola Jokic is a clear leader in the NBA MVP odds market right now. He has standout support among global MVP candidates in the NBA. As of September 4, 2025, Bet88 gives odds of 2.4 on him taking the NBA MVP award, but we can expect the numbers to move when the season gets underway.

Here’s a look at what makes Jokic one of the early leaders:

  • Team performance: The Denver Nuggets are always top contenders. You can be sure of high win percentages and strong standings.
  • Individual stats: Last season, Jokic averaged an elite 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. 
  • Past MVP titles: Having won the award three times already, Jokic is always a strong contender.
  • Recent performances: He remains a reliable high-level performer, with barely any dips in form.
  • Market confidence: The short odds show that the bookies believe that he’s in with a real shot, as well as suggesting there’s been plenty of betting activity on him.

Early favourites for the 2025-2026 NBA Most Valuable Player Award

While Jokic may be the forerunner, there are still other players to consider. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders:

Luka Doncic’s MVP chances

Luka Doncic is currently shown with odds of 3.50, meaning that there’s an implied chance of 28.6% of winning in the NBA MVP race. Last season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. A minor calf issue slowed him mid-season, but his improved fitness means he’s now a top contender.

Jayson Tatum in the MVP race

Tatum currently has MBA MVP odds of 15.00, showing a 6.7% chance. His odds lengthened after a serious injury at the end of last season. Before this, he looked set to claim the NBA MVP award with averages of 26.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP odds

The latest NBA MVP odds show Antetokounmpo at 8.00, with an implied chance of 12.5%. Last season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. A nagging knee injury has limited him in recent years, so staying healthy will be decisive this season.

Past 10 NBA Most Valuable Player winners

It’s worth consulting an NBA MVP list to see what’s happened in previous seasons, as this can give an insight into what’s to come. That’s why we’ve put together this list of previous NBA MVP winners:

Table for the block past 10 NBA most valuable player winners
Year Player Team
2025 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder
2024 Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets
2023 Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers
2022 Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets
2021 Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets
2020 Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
2019 Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
2018 James Harden Houston Rockets
2017 Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder
2016 Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors

How to read NBA MVP odds

To understand NBA MVP odds, you need to be able to read them in a European/decimal format. For example, Nikola Jokic is at 2.40, Doncic at 3.50, and Antetokounmpo at 8.00. The lowest number shows you who the favourite is, and what the return would be. If you wagered 1,000 PHP on Jokic, right now a win would return 2,400 PHP. That’s made up of your 1,000 PHP being returned and then 1,400 PHP profit.

You can work out the probability by dividing 1 by the odds and then multiplying by 100. So, odds of 2.40 = 1÷2.40 = 0.41.7 x 100 = 41.7% probability.

NBA MVP betting tips

Graphic for the block NBA MVP betting tips

Betting on the MVP involves more than just choosing the biggest name. Things such as smart analysis, team context, and timing all make a difference when looking at NBA MVP betting odds. Let’s take a look at the top tips to help you:

  • check-40x40sa

    Choosing the right betting site

    Comparing sportsbooks is a must as NBA MVP betting odds vary greatly between platforms. You also need to check that any site is licensed and regulated, and you should also look at what bonuses can be claimed.

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    Look at player stats and expert analysis

    When it comes to studying the NBA MVP list, it’s important to focus on full-season stats. These include points, rebounds, and assists. Remember, consistency across 82 games is far more important than brief hot streaks.

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    Factor in team success

    Past NBA MVP winners usually played for teams with strong records. If you watch the standings alongside the player stats, you have a much better chance of identifying a likely winner.

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    When should you bet on the NBA MVP?

    When betting on futures markets like NBA MVP odds, timing matters. Early-season bets often give the best value. If you look at Jokic, he opened at 4.00 before shortening quickly. Mid-season wagers are safer, but they tend to pay less. Late-season bettors sometimes hedge existing picks to lock profits or cut losses.

What are NBA MVP futures?

Futures are long-term wagers on season outcomes rather than on just single games. In the NBA, they include markets such as the MVP award, Rookie of the Year, and the Championship winner. When you bet on MVP futures, it means backing a player months before the final outcome is known.

Popular NBA future odds

Beyond MVP betting, sportsbooks offer a variety of long-term basketball markets. Popular examples include:

  • NBA All Star Game Odds: Futures on starters, reserves, and game outcomes.
  • NBA Championship Odds: Predict the season’s ultimate winner months in advance.
  • Rookie of the Year Odds: Wager on the league’s best newcomer.
  • Defensive Player of the Year Odds: Markets for elite defenders across the season.
  • Most Improved Player Odds: Long-term bets on breakout performances.

NBA MVP voting process

The NBA MVP is voted on by a panel of 100 people. This is made up of sports writers and broadcasters from the USA and Canada. Players and fans don’t get to vote.

Each member of the panel submits a ballot paper that contains their top 5 choices. Player one gets 10 points, two gets 7, three gets 5, four gets 3, and 5 gets one. The player with the most points wins.

When does the 2026 MBA MVP voting start

Voting for the MVP begins immediately after the regular season ends and closes before the playoffs. Ballots are then counted, with the NBA MVP announcement traditionally made during or shortly after the postseason, alongside other league awards.

FAQ

? Who is the MVP of the NBA 2025?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2025 NBA MVP award, recognised for his scoring, leadership, and carrying his team to the Western Conference Finals.

? When is the NBA MVP announced?

The NBA MVP announcement takes place after the regular season ends, usually in May or June, with results revealed during or shortly after the NBA Playoffs.

? Who is the youngest MVP in the NBA?

Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in history, winning the NBA MVP award at age 22 during the 2010–11 season while leading the Chicago Bulls to a top record.

? What is the unanimous MVP in the NBA?

A unanimous MVP means every voter selects the same player first. Stephen Curry achieved this historic feat in 2016, becoming the only unanimous NBA MVP award winner.

? What is the NBA Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP, officially the Bill Russell Award, honours the best player in the Finals. It is separate from the regular season NBA MVP award.

Review Author

Evelyn Balyton

Evelyn Balyton

Strategic Sports Betting Planner: Expert in Long-Term Strategy Development for Sustained Betting Success.