Victor Wembanyama says sports betting endorsements don’t align with his values
TheGrio...
The Spurs star says he has turned down lucrative opportunities that conflict with his values and wants his partnerships to have a positive impact.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama says he will never promote a sports betting or prediction-market company, drawing attention to the growing role of gambling partnerships in professional basketball.
Speaking after a Spurs training-camp workout Thursday, Wembanyama said he has turned down lucrative opportunities when they did not align with his values. Asked whether he would ever consider promoting a sports betting website, Wembanyama gave a direct answer.
“Absolutely not. I will never do that.” The 22-year-old Spurs star then addressed NBA players who have entered the sports betting space. “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.”
As reported by ESPN, Wembanyama was also asked how he decides which brands to endorse. He said money previously played a role in those decisions, but that has changed. “I’ve refused plenty, much, much more money than I’ve made for things that were not [in line with] my values.”
He said he now wants his commercial partnerships to have a positive impact. “Obviously, we earn millions and millions. This is not our biggest strength. Our biggest strength is inspiring.” He added: “I want to inspire in a good way. That’s the strongest thing I can do.”
Wembanyama’s comments come as several prominent NBA players have developed relationships with betting and prediction-market companies. LeBron James recently partnered with Polymarket after previously working with DraftKings. Kevin Durant has a FanDuel partnership and is also an investor in Kalshi, while Giannis Antetokounmpo became a Kalshi shareholder earlier this year.
Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, players can have certain relationships with sports betting operators and prediction markets. However, restrictions apply, including a prohibition on promoting betting involving NBA games.