Spurs' Victor Wembanyama against sports betting promotion for players
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has publicly rejected the idea of endorsing sports betting companies. He expressed disapproval of other athletes who promote gambling, citing personal values and a desire to be selective with brand partnerships.
Why it matters
The stance highlights a growing tension between the massive growth of the sports betting industry and the ethical concerns held by some high-profile athletes.
Hear this story Sports betting is everywhere. One place – or person, rather – where you won’t find any support is with San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama .
According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting revenue surged to a record $16.96 billion in 2025, a staggering 22.8% year-over-year increase. That figure was bolstered by a 22% annual growth of the online sports betting market.
Despite the popularity, and despite the potential revenue Wembanyama could net, he’s not interested in those endorsements.
“Absolutely not,” Wembanyama told reporters Thursday, Oct. 1 when asked if he would ever become a brand ambassador for a sports gambling company. “I would never do that. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it, in my opinion. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me.”
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