Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James. Image via: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year spoke just weeks after LeBron James signed a Polymarket partnership expected to pay him $15 million a year. Asked on Thursday, October 1, he called it “very sad to see some players promote it.
“Obviously, we earn millions and millions,” he said, before moving the conversation to influence. A player’s biggest strength, according to the Spurs big man, is the ability to inspire, and that can go in a good direction or a bad one. Wembanyama has said he will never be one of them.
Wembanyama never mentioned the 76ers star by name but he certainly appears to take aim at the NBA veteran. Victor Wembanyama was answering a general question about sports betting sponsorships, and he spoke about the practice rather than one player. Then he added a line with a little edge, everybody does what they want, but without him. Wembanyama explained the reasoning without pointing at anyone. “I want to inspire in a good way. Wembanyama has turned down endorsement offers before when the values behind them did not match. He does sign deals, though. A new Nike agreement includes a signature sneaker line. Betting sponsorships have gone mainstream as the major leagues embrace gambling, and several NBA names now work with betting companies or prediction markets. More current and retired athletes could follow as the industry keeps growing.