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StrategyOctober 5, 2026·1 min read
Victor Wembanyama: Why the NBA Star Won't Endorse Gambling Sites
NBA star Victor Wembanyama has made a bold statement by declaring he will never endorse a sports betting or gambling platform. The San Antonio Spurs player, known for his exceptional skills and 22 years of age, has taken a firm stance against such endorsements, contrasting with other athletes who have embraced such deals.
Wembanyama's decision is based on his personal values. He gauges potential sponsorships on whether they align with his principles, stating that he has nixed deals in the past that would have paid more than some of the sponsorships he now has in place. His branding now apparently doesn’t include companies that are in the gaming industry.
Other NBA stars, however, have taken a different approach. Lebron James signed a deal with DraftKings to make football picks in 2024 and recently became a representative of Polymarket. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are both investors in Kalshi. Connor McDavid scored a partnership with BetMGM for responsible gaming messaging in December. Michael Jordan accepted a role with DraftKings in 2020. These athletes have embraced gambling endorsements, contrasting sharply with Wembanyama's stance.
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Argus RivenI've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.
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