NBA MVP winners, 1956-2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2025-26 NBA MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his second. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, six times (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1980). Then Bill Russell with five, Michael Jordan with five and Wilt Chamberlain with four. 16 players have won it more than once.
Most wins
Most winners by team
Counted by franchise today: a club that moved keeps its winners, and a club that folded is listed under its own name.
Every winner
The NBA Most Valuable Player award, the Michael Jordan Trophy, goes to the best player of the regular season, voted by a panel of media members. Until 1980 the players voted. Team names are as they were at the time. Seasons are listed by the year they ended in the tables above.
Questions
Who won the 2025-26 NBA MVP?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his second.
Who has won the NBA MVP the most?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, six times (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1980). Then Bill Russell with five, Michael Jordan with five and Wilt Chamberlain with four. 16 players have won it more than once.
Which team has the most NBA MVP winners?
The Boston Celtics, with 10, counted by franchise.
Who won the first NBA MVP?
Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks, in 1955-56.
What is the NBA MVP?
The NBA Most Valuable Player award, the Michael Jordan Trophy, goes to the best player of the regular season, voted by a panel of media members. Until 1980 the players voted.