Victor Wembanyama Refuses Sports Betting Endorsements, Cites Values and Influence

The useful part

Thursday whether he would ever consider working with a sports betting or prediction market company, and he didn't hesitate. Honestly, I think it's very sad to see some players promote it," Wembanyama said, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. "There was a dimension of money in the past," Wembanyama said, according to Weiss.

How it works

• That's the strongest thing I can do." His comments come as betting and prediction market partnerships become increasingly visible around the NBA.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo has partnered with prediction market company Kalshi, while LeBron James has previously worked with DraftKings and recently agreed to a deal with Polymarket.
• NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the growing connection between players and prediction markets earlier this year, specifically discussing Antetokounmpo's involvement with Kalshi.
• "We currently are looking at prediction markets in the same way as sports betting companies.
• Even if I said that, I've refused plenty, much, much more money than I've made for things that were not to my values.

What to take from it

Now, I want to promote things that have a good impact, have a good influence with who I can share messages and values. "Obviously, we earn millions and millions, — this is not our biggest strength. Kevin Durant's Boardroom also has a long-standing partnership with FanDuel, while Nikola Jokic is an ambassador for Serbian betting company Superbet.

Example or evidence

• Walker Kessler & Austin Reaves Think Lakers Defense Will Be Dangerous Load More -->

Related coverage

• Talkbasket: Victor Wembanyama has made it clear that sports betting will not be part of his growing endorsement portfolio, saying he would not sign a deal with a betting company because of the influence athletes can...
• Tpr: Wemby told reporters during a practice session at team headquarters on Thursday that you won't see him in any advertising that promotes sports gambling.
• Sportingnews: Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama is not liking how much NBA stars have gotten involved in sports betting.