Oct 7, 2026 10:50 PM
As more and more NBA players sign partnerships with gambling companies and "prediction markets," Victor Wembanyama took a stand against the trend.
Victor Wembanyama is one of the most vocal and quotable players in the NBA. Unlike guys like Josh Hart and Kevin Durant, he isn't constantly posting on social media, but every press appearance he attends is usually good for a viral moment or two.
Ever since Jontay Porter, Terry Rozier, and Chauncey Billups were caught in illicit gambling-related scandals, the NBA's relationship with sportsbooks has come under heavy scrutiny. The league firmly doesn't allow players to bet on games, which makes sense, but there's no rule against them working with casinos and so-called "prediction markets."
Guys like Durant, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the faces of such brands. It's highly lucrative. For Wembanyama, though, it'll never be worth it.
Victor Wembanyama Slams Sports Betting Ads
Wembanyama has appeared in ads for H-E-B, Nike, Gatorade, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. He's one of the most marketable people on Earth, so it makes sense that companies like FanDuel, Kalshi, or BetMGM would want him to be a spokesperson.
Wembanyama has no interest in doing that.
"Absolutely not,” Wembanyama said when asked if he would ever consider appearing in a gambling ad. “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.”
The players who have decided to work with these brands were not amused.
"That's Wemby, he's going to do what he does," responded Kevin Durant. "That has nothing to do with me. I really don't think about that question at all. It's not really on my mind as much as his. But yeah, people are going to do what they want to do."
It's pretty glaring that Durant doesn't "think" about the morality of touting sports betting. Now legal in the majority of US states, 10 percent of Gen Z men have been labeled "problem gamblers." When top athletes support these companies, impressionable people sign up.
Wembanyama, it seems, is the only one who vocally doesn't think it's worth it.
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