Brief

Victor Wembanyama refuses sports‑betting endorsements at Spurs media day

The 23‑year‑old star said personal values outweigh money, rejecting past offers that conflicted with his image.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:18:21 GMT

Victor Wembanyama told reporters at the San Antonio Spurs’ training‑camp media day on Thursday that he will never endorse a sports‑betting company, describing such partnerships as "very sad".

What happened

During a routine workout session, the Spurs forward was asked whether he would consider a deal with a sportsbook. He answered unequivocally, "Absolutely not, I will never do that," and added that he finds it disheartening to see other NBA players promote gambling platforms.

What the reports add

The Guardian noted that Wembanyama said his approach to sponsorships has changed as his profile grew, shifting from a focus on money to a focus on personal values. The New York Post echoed the same quotation and highlighted that the comments came weeks after LeBron James announced a multi‑year partnership with the betting platform Polymarket.

What was said

Wembanyama told the press, "Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me," as reported by both outlets. He also said, "In the past, there was a dimension of money. Not anymore," and explained that his greatest strength is "inspiring in a good way" rather than earning more money.

How it came about

The remarks follow growing scrutiny of sports‑betting promotions in professional leagues. Earlier this month Felo News covered a wave of lawsuits against major betting apps in Florida, underscoring concerns about addiction and the ethical responsibilities of athletes. Wembanyama’s stance adds a high‑profile player’s perspective to that broader debate.

Key facts

Victor Wembanyama said he will never endorse a sports betting company. (theguardian.com)
He described such endorsements as "very sad". (theguardian.com)
Wembanyama said his sponsorship priorities have shifted from money to personal values. (theguardian.com)
His comments were made at the Spurs training‑camp media day on Thursday. (nypost.com)