Texas Sports Betting Debate: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Rejects Betting Site Promotions
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama is making it clear that sports betting promotions are not something he wants to be associated with.
The Spurs’ young NBA star spoke about sports betting following a training camp workout Thursday, saying he has no plans to promote a sportsbook or sports betting platform.
When asked whether he would ever consider partnering with a sports betting website, the French center delivered a blunt response.
“Absolutely not,” he said.
The San Antonio Spurs center explained that he is uncomfortable with professional athletes promoting sports betting companies, while acknowledging that individual players ultimately have the right to make their own business decisions.
“I will never do that,” he said. “Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me.”
Spurs Star Says His Brand Is About More Than Money
For the 22-year-old, the decision goes beyond turning down a potential sponsorship opportunity.
The San Antonio Spurs star explained that money once played a larger role in deciding which brands he would work with. That philosophy has changed as his NBA career and global profile have grown.
He said he has rejected significant amounts of money when potential partnerships did not align with his personal values.
“In the past, there was a dimension of money,” he said. “Not anymore.”
The young superstar now wants his endorsement partnerships to have a positive influence and allow him to communicate messages that reflect what he believes in.
“Even if I said that, I’ve refused plenty, much, much more money than I’ve made for things that were not [in line with] my values,” he said.
That approach is notable given his enormous popularity in San Antonio, throughout Texas and internationally. Since becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the French phenom has quickly become one of basketball’s biggest stars.
San Antonio Spurs Center Focused on Positive Influence
The Spurs’ centerpiece also explained why athletes should carefully consider the companies and products they promote.
He acknowledged that NBA players make substantial amounts of money, but believes their ability to influence and inspire people is an even more important part of their platform.
“Obviously, we earn millions and millions,” he said. “This is not our biggest strength. Our biggest strength is inspiring.”
That philosophy is shaping the way the San Antonio star approaches endorsements as he continues to establish himself as one of the NBA’s most recognizable young players.
“I want to inspire in a good way,” he said. “That’s the strongest thing I can do.”
Other NBA Stars Have Partnered With Sports Betting Companies
The comments come at a time when sports betting and prediction-market companies have developed major relationships with professional athletes.
Several NBA stars have entered partnerships with sportsbooks or prediction platforms.
LeBron James moved from DraftKings to Polymarket in September, while Kevin Durant has a relationship with FanDuel and is also an investor in Kalshi.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo also became a shareholder in Kalshi earlier this year.
“The internet is full of opinions,” Antetokounmpo wrote in a since-deleted post on X while announcing his involvement with the company. “I decided it was time to make some of my own. Today, I’m joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic became a brand ambassador for Serbian sportsbook Superbet in 2023.
The growing connection between professional athletes and sports betting makes the San Antonio star’s decision particularly notable, especially given his status as one of the NBA’s most marketable players.
What NBA Rules Say About Sports Betting Partnerships
The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement addresses relationships between players, sports betting operators and prediction-market companies.
NBA players cannot promote betting on markets directly connected to NBA games. However, players can endorse sports betting companies and maintain limited equity investments under certain restrictions.
Those rules have allowed several NBA stars to participate in the expanding sports betting and prediction-market industries.
The San Antonio Spurs’ franchise player, however, appears to have drawn his own line.
Rather than focusing solely on the financial value of an endorsement, he says he wants his business relationships to reflect his values and create a positive impact.
Victor Wembanyama Looking to Lead Spurs Back to NBA Finals
The comments come as the 22-year-old prepares for his fourth NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio is entering the 2026-27 NBA season following its first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2014, giving the franchise and its young superstar even greater expectations heading into the new campaign.
The two-time All-Star is already one of the NBA’s most accomplished defensive players. Last season, he became the first unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year while leading the league in blocks for the third consecutive season.
Now established as the centerpiece of the Spurs’ roster, the French star is also becoming one of the faces of the NBA.
As expectations continue to rise in San Antonio and across Texas, his influence extends well beyond what happens on the basketball court.
For the Spurs’ franchise cornerstone, building a legacy is about more than basketball, endorsements or money. It’s about using his platform to make an impact he believes is positive.