NBA MVP Ladder 2025-26: Weekly Rankings Tracker

Victor Wembanyama has ascended to the top of the Kia MVP Ladder, claiming the No. 1 spot in the most recent rankings updated on April 3, 2026. The San Antonio Spurs player now leads a competitive field that has seen multiple shifts in dominance throughout the 2025-26 NBA season.

In the Week 24 rankings, Wembanyama holds the lead, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in second and Nikola Jokić in third. Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers occupies the fourth position, while Jaylen Brown rounds out the top five.

This current order mirrors the rankings from Week 23, indicating a period of stability at the top of the race as the season progresses. Wembanyama’s rise to the first position marks a significant shift from the earlier portions of the campaign.

Evolution of the MVP Race

The 2025-26 MVP race has been characterized by distinct phases of leadership. Nikola Jokić dominated the early season, maintaining the No. 1 spot from Week 4 through Week 13. During this period, the Denver Nuggets center established a strong foundation for his candidacy before a hyperextended knee injury impacted his momentum.

Following Jokić’s early lead, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder took control of the ladder. Gilgeous-Alexander held the top ranking for nine consecutive weeks, from Week 14 through Week 22, showcasing consistent elite performance for the Thunder.

The ladder first began in Week 3, where the top five were initially ranked as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić.

Player Performance and Statistics

Data from early January 2026 highlights the statistical profiles of the primary contenders. As of January 2, 2026, Luka Dončić led the league in scoring, averaging 33.5 points per game along with 8.2 rebounds and 8.7 assists.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a high scoring average of 32.1 points per game, complemented by 4.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists. His case was bolstered by steady performances, including a 30-point game against the Trail Blazers on 11-for-15 shooting.

Nikola Jokić, prior to his injury, was averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. In the 32 games he played up to early January, Jokić recorded a triple-double in 50 percent of his appearances.

Victor Wembanyama, who has now climbed to the top of the ladder, was averaging 24.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game as of January 2, 2026.

Other Notable Candidates

While the top three have remained relatively consistent, several other players have rotated through the top five throughout the season. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks was ranked as high as fourth in January, averaging 29.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.

Cade Cunningham also made frequent appearances in the top five, featuring in the rankings from Week 5 through Week 22. Other players who have appeared in the top five at various points include Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.

• Week 20 Top 5: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Cunningham, Wembanyama, Brown
• Week 15 Top 5: Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, Jokić, Wembanyama, Brown
• Week 10 Top 5: Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, Brunson, Cunningham
• Week 7 Top 5: Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, Cunningham, Antetokounmpo