Photo: Peter Baba

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 have on fans.

Wembanyama was asked about the possibility of partnering with a sports betting company, and his response was unequivocal.

“Absolutely not. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it,” Wembanyama said, according to Jared Weiss.

The San Antonio Spurs star explained that his approach to endorsements extends beyond sports betting. Despite his status as one of the NBA’s most recognizable young players, Wembanyama has previously turned down lucrative opportunities when he felt they did not fit his personal values.

“Obviously, we earn millions and millions. This is not our biggest strength,” Wembanyama said. “Our biggest strength is inspiring, and we can inspire in a good way or a bad way. I want to inspire in a good way. That’s the strongest thing I can do.”

Wembanyama’s representatives have previously described a deliberate strategy of limiting his commercial commitments so he can remain focused on basketball. Agence Comsport co-founder Jeremy Medjana, who has worked with Wembanyama since the French star was a teenager, previously said the priority has been keeping him focused on improving, recovering and preparing for games.

That philosophy was already evident before Wembanyama entered the NBA. Medjana said beverage companies and other major brands pursued the young star while he was playing professionally in France, including offers worth millions of dollars.

Wembanyama reportedly rejected opportunities to promote products such as soda. According to Medjana, the decision was based on the type of influence Wembanyama wanted to have.

“We’re not gonna mix his image with sodas like Coca-Cola,” Medjana said. “They all want him, but Victor will never sell soda. Because he doesn’t want to kill the kids.”

The approach has remained consistent as Wembanyama’s profile has grown. After three NBA seasons, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier players and defensive forces.

Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks in 64 games during the 2025-26 regular season. He earned his first All-NBA First Team selection and was named Defensive Player of the Year while finishing third in MVP voting.