‘It’s sad seeing players promote it’: Wembanyama says he will never endorse gambling companies

Victor Wembanyama has ruled out ever endorsing a sports betting company, saying he was saddened to see fellow NBA players lend their names to gambling platforms.

The San Antonio Spurs star was unequivocal when asked after Thursday’s training camp workout if he would consider partnering with a sportsbook.

“Absolutely not,” Wembanyama said. “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.”

Wembanyama said his approach to sponsorships has evolved during his ascent to one of basketball’s biggest stars. While money once factored into his thinking, he said he has come to prioritize whether potential partnerships align with his personal values.

“In the past, there was a dimension of money,” he said. “Not anymore.”

Wembanyama added that he has rejected offers worth considerably more than the endorsement deals he has accepted because he did not feel comfortable with what he would be promoting.

“Obviously, we earn millions and millions. This is not our biggest strength. Our biggest strength is inspiring. I want to inspire in a good way. That’s the strongest thing I can do.”

Wembanyama’s position stands in contrast to several of the NBA’s most prominent stars, who have established relationships with sportsbooks or prediction-market companies.

LeBron James announced a partnership with Polymarket in September after previously working with DraftKings. Kevin Durant has an endorsement deal with FanDuel and is an investor in the prediction market Kalshi, while Giannis Antetokounmpo announced earlier this year that he had become a Kalshi shareholder. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić has served as an ambassador for Superbet in Serbia since 2023.

NBA players are permitted to endorse sports betting companies under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, subject to restrictions. They cannot promote wagering on NBA-related markets but can enter broader endorsement arrangements and hold limited investments in gambling companies.

The French center enters his fourth NBA season after helping San Antonio reach the NBA finals for the first time since 2014. He was unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year last season after leading the league in blocked shots for a third consecutive year.

Wembanyama, who also finished third in MVP voting, made clear Thursday that his increasing prominence will not change where he draws the line on endorsements.

“I want to promote things that have a good impact, have a good influence with who I can share messages and values,” he said.