Wembanyama: I'll Never Promote Betting Sites — SkimNews
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- Victor Wembanyama said 'absolutely not' when asked if he'd ever promote a sports betting site, adding: 'I will never do that. I think it's very sad to see some players promote it.'
- Wembanyama said his endorsement decisions are now values-driven, not money-driven, noting he has 'refused plenty, much, much more money' for deals misaligned with his values because 'our biggest strength is inspiring. I want to inspire in a good way.'
- LeBron James moved from DraftKings to Polymarket in September, while Kevin Durant promotes FanDuel and is also an investor in Kalshi, per the article.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo became a shareholder in Kalshi in February, and Nikola Jokic became the first brand ambassador of Superbet in Serbia back in 2023.
- The NBA's collective bargaining agreement treats sportsbooks and prediction markets identically for player partnerships: players cannot promote betting on NBA-related markets but can hold de minimis equity stakes in betting companies with some restrictions.
- Wembanyama enters his fourth NBA season after leading the Spurs to their first Finals appearance since 2014, having just become the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year (third straight blocks title) and finished third in MVP voting at age 22.
Why it matters: Wembanyama's public refusal creates a counter-marketing signal in an NBA where league peers — including three MVPs — have taken equity or ambassador roles with sportsbooks and prediction markets. With the CBA allowing those deals outside NBA-related markets, his stance is a personal values choice rather than a league-imposed ban, potentially making him a reference point for younger players weighing similar offers.
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