Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive season on May 17, 2026 [1], [2].
The achievement cements Gilgeous-Alexander as the premier force in the league and marks a rare historical milestone for the guard. By winning the award in both 2025 and 2026, he becomes only the 14th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP honors [1].
Gilgeous-Alexander earned the distinction after a dominant regular season where he averaged 31.1 points per game [3]. His individual performance served as the engine for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the season with a 64-18 record [3]. This mark represents the best record in the league for the second straight season [3].
League officials and analysts pointed to the synergy between the player's statistics and the team's success. "He's the best player on the best team," NBA.com said. "And the voters say he's the best player in the league, too. Again."
This latest honor makes Gilgeous-Alexander the 36th player in the history of the league to be named a Kia MVP [4]. His first MVP trophy was awarded on May 21, 2025 [4].
Sportsnet reported that the Thunder guard has now solidified his place among the game's elite. "Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award for the second consecutive season," Sportsnet said.
The announcement came as the league transitioned into the postseason phase. USA Today said that the league officially announced the win on May 17 [2].
“He's the best player on the best team.”
Gilgeous-Alexander's consecutive MVP awards signal a shift in the NBA's power dynamic toward Oklahoma City. By maintaining the league's best record for two straight years while producing elite individual scoring, he has established a blueprint for modern guard dominance that balances high-volume scoring with team efficiency.
