Victor Wembanyama rejects prediction-market endorsements

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs star, said he would never serve as a spokesperson for a prediction-market company, calling it “very sad” to see other players promote such platforms.

“Absolutely not. I will never do that,” Wembanyama said when asked about representing one at a Thursday practice. He added: “Everybody does whatever they want, but without me.”

His remarks contrast with partnerships between NBA stars and prediction-market companies. LeBron James signed a Polymarket sponsorship in September, while Giannis Antetokounmpo became a Kalshi shareholder earlier this year and is involved in its marketing and live events.

The contrast is notable because Wembanyama is already a high-profile endorser. He has a partnership with Nike, has appeared in Louis Vuitton campaigns and has appeared on the cover of NBA 2K27.

Wembanyama said money had become less important in his sponsorship decisions as his profile rose. He said he had turned down offers worth considerably more than agreements he accepted because he was uncomfortable with what he would be promoting.

“I want to promote things that have a good impact and a good influence on the world, with whom I can share messages and values,” he said. “Our biggest strength is inspiring,” he added, saying players could inspire people “in a good way or a bad way.”

NBA players are permitted under the league’s collective bargaining agreement to endorse betting companies, subject to restrictions. They may not promote wagering on NBA-related markets, though they can enter broader endorsement arrangements and hold limited investments in gambling companies. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said players cannot invest more than a 1% stake in prediction-market or gambling companies.

Prediction-market contracts commonly pose yes-or-no questions about future outcomes; their prices, ranging from $0 to $1, theoretically reflect traders’ perceived probability of an outcome. Critics argue that the platforms can resemble sports betting while operating outside the state-level gambling rules and consumer protections that apply to traditional sportsbooks.

That scrutiny has reached New York, where the attorney general sued Polymarket, alleging it was operating an illegal gambling operation. The state also sued Kalshi earlier this year, according to The Athletic.

James promoted his Polymarket partnership with a video featuring NFL picks and an offer of a bonus bet for new sign-ups. Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is barred from trading on NBA-related markets as part of his Kalshi arrangement.

Wembanyama’s position extends beyond prediction markets. Jeremy Medjana said the player had also ruled out associating his image with soda because of concerns about harm to children.