Wembanyama says he will never endorse a sports betting company

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama said on Thursday that he will never promote or endorse a sports betting company. He spoke after a Spurs training camp workout, according to The Guardian and ESPN. He was answering a question about whether he would consider such a partnership.

"Absolutely not. I will never do that. Honestly, I think it's very sad to see some players promote it. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me," ESPN quoted Wembanyama as saying.

Wembanyama said money once influenced his endorsement decisions but no longer does. "In the past, there was a dimension of money. Not anymore," The Guardian quoted him as saying. He said he now prioritizes partnerships that align with his values.

He also said he has turned down offers worth considerably more than the deals he has accepted. "Even if I said that, I've refused plenty, much, much more money than I've made for things that were not [in line with] my values," ESPN quoted him as saying. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not identify those offers, the companies involved or their value. They also do not describe his current endorsement deals.

Other players' ties to the industry

LeBron James announced a partnership with Polymarket in September. He previously worked with DraftKings. Kevin Durant has an endorsement relationship with FanDuel and is an investor in the prediction market Kalshi. Giannis Antetokounmpo became a Kalshi shareholder in February 2026, according to ESPN. ESPN reported that he announced this in a post on X that has since been deleted. The reports do not explain why it was deleted. Nikola Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP, has been a Superbet brand ambassador in Serbia since 2023. ESPN reported that he was the company's first ambassador there.

The league's rules

Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, players may not promote wagering on NBA-related markets. They may sign endorsement deals with betting companies and hold limited equity stakes in them, subject to restrictions. According to ESPN, the agreement treats sports betting operators and prediction markets the same for player partnerships. The reports do not detail the specific restrictions.

Background

Wembanyama is entering his fourth NBA season. Last season, San Antonio reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. He was unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in blocks for a third straight season and finished third in MVP voting. ESPN reported that he was the first player to win the defensive award unanimously, and that he is 22 and a two-time All-Star.

What each side says

Wembanyama said athletes' greatest strength is not their earnings but their ability to inspire. "I want to promote things that have a good impact, have a good influence with who I can share messages and values," The Guardian quoted him as saying. The reports do not include any response from the NBA, the Spurs, or James, Durant, Antetokounmpo or Jokić.

Analysis

Wembanyama's remarks stand apart from those of several high-profile peers who have commercial ties to betting operators or prediction markets. All of those arrangements appear to operate within league rules, which permit endorsements and limited investments with restrictions. His comments could add to wider discussion about athletes' roles in promoting betting, or they could remain a personal stance with little broader effect. Much depends on whether other players, the league or the players' union address the issue. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not indicate any planned rule changes, and no responses from those involved are included.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.