The ways to earn outside of the NBA, especially for a star, are vast. Some partner with organizations that represent their core advocacies. Others maximize their marketability by endorsing brands that offer irresistible deals. Obviously, these are not either-or and zero-sum scenarios. But Victor Wembanyama posits that there are more proper ways to earn that do not jeopardize their fans or other players. He made a clear statement on betting; some fans cannot help but think that the Spurs superstar took aim at Miami Heat‘s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Philadelphia 76ers‘ LeBron James.
Did Spurs’ Wembanyama take a jab at James and Antetokounmpo?
Victor Wembanyama puts hard work on the court first and backs it up with strong morals. To no one’s surprise, the Spurs superstar was vehemently against promoting betting companies. He made it apparent during the middle of their training camps with Coach Mitch Johnson.
Wembanyama was asked whether he would take any offer to openly endorse a site like that. He gave a straightforward answer, via Jared Weiss of The Athletic.
“Absolutely not. I will never do that. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me,” the Spurs superstar declared.
Victor Wembanyama was asked if he would ever sign a deal with a sports betting company: “Absolutely not. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it.” pic.twitter.com/foorjwznDq
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) October 1, 2026
Many NBA fans fixated on one part. They made big speculations about which players Wembanyama is referring to when talking about these types of companies. Many have said the answer was so on-the-nose. Of course, it was about LeBron James. The 76ers signed him to a veteran minimum two-year deal worth $7.95 million. He needed to find ways to make up for the financial flexibility afforded to Mike Gansey. This is why it came as no surprise that James signed a contract that gives him $15 million annually.
Others also pointed out that Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the same boat as James. See, the newly signed Heat superstar is the first NBA player investor in a prediction market. He also falls in that same category.
Wembanyama points out that the reason why he does not endorse these types of deals.
“Obviously, we earn millions and millions. This is not our biggest strength. 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,” the Spurs star added.
Fans react to supposed Wembanyama jab
Victor Wembanyama’s statement was unlikely to go unnoticed. Spurs fans and keen NBA watchers made it clear that they got the hint from the Spurs superstar. They had mixed reactions, too.
Some want Wembanyama to fully own the jab, “If I’m him I’m calling LeBron out directly and calling that s*** pathetic, LeBron is going to try to come right at him first meet and Wemby likely sends it to the nosebleeds.”
Others even went on to add morality to the eventual ‘greatest of all time’ conversation between LeBron James and Wembanyama: “Which matters more for the GOAT title? A) Rings and stats B) Character, including who you take money from. Wemby said he will never promote betting, and he named MJ the GOAT. LeBron just became the face of a gambling company. Same standard, or different?”
There are also a select few who chose to side with the 76ers star too: “Wemby – 0 accolades. LeBron has won everything possible.”
A significant majority of NBA fans also echoed support for the Spurs superstar: “Say it from the mountaintops, Wemby. THIS is and should be the face of the NBA. Honestly fuck every single player in every sport signing these garbage deals, including LeBron.”
A large chunk of fans clearly agree with Wembanyama that the NBA’s intersection with betting has unfathomable effects. Will the league and some of the stars listen to this plea?
