How NBA MVP Voting Works: A Complete Breakdown of the Selection Process

2025-11-15 14:00

As someone who has followed the NBA for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated not just by the on-court brilliance but by the intricate processes that define legacies—like the MVP selection. It’s a topic that sparks endless debates every season, and I’ve often found myself explaining to fellow fans how the system actually works. Let me walk you through it, because understanding the voting mechanics can completely change how you view the award—and the narratives around your favorite players.

The NBA MVP award isn’t decided by a single committee or a fan vote, which sometimes surprises people. Instead, it’s chosen by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from the U.S. and Canada, with each voter submitting a ballot ranking their top five candidates. Points are then allocated as follows: 10 points for a first-place vote, 7 for second, 5 for third, 3 for fourth, and 1 for fifth. I’ve always liked this ranked-choice approach because it balances standout preferences with broader consensus—preventing a runaway winner based purely on media hype. Over the years, I’ve noticed how this system tends to favor players who not only put up stellar stats but also elevate their team’s success in meaningful ways. For instance, in the 2022-23 season, Joel Embiid clinched the award with 73 first-place votes and a total of 913 points, narrowly edging out competitors because his narrative combined scoring titles with team resilience.

Now, you might wonder why the process feels so subjective at times. From my perspective, having analyzed MVP races since the early 2000s, voter biases and storylines play a huge role. Take, for example, the reference to a “longtime mentor” in that snippet about UST’s volleyball team—it reminds me of how, in the NBA, coaches and veterans often shape MVP cases behind the scenes. Even when a team struggles, like UST’s three losses in eight games compared to their 8-0 start last year, trust in a leader can mirror how voters stick with a player through slumps. I’ve seen this with Stephen Curry in 2015-16; despite the Warriors not repeating their historic run, his influence kept him in the top three because voters valued his impact beyond wins and losses. Similarly, voter turnout—say, 90 out of 100 ballots returned—can skew results if key regions underparticipate, though the NBA doesn’t always release exact response rates.

Digging deeper, the criteria voters use aren’t set in stone, which I think adds both charm and frustration. Officially, the NBA emphasizes “individual excellence and team success,” but in practice, it’s a blend of analytics, narrative, and what I call the “eye test.” As a fan who crunches numbers, I appreciate when voters lean into advanced stats like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) or Win Shares; for instance, Nikola Jokić’s back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022 were buoyed by his off-the-charts PER of around 32.1, a figure that screams dominance. But let’s be real—sometimes, voters get swayed by dramatic moments or a player’s “clutch gene,” much like how that UST captain never doubted their mentor despite setbacks. In the 2023 race, I argued that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s case suffered because the Bucks’ mid-season inconsistencies were overblown, costing him first-place votes even though his averages of 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds were MVP-worthy.

Another layer is the timing of votes, which I’ve always found intriguing. Ballots are due right after the regular season, before playoffs begin, which means postseason performances don’t factor in—a rule I support because it keeps the focus on the grueling 82-game stretch. However, this can lead to recency bias, where a late-season surge or slump swings opinions. Personally, I’ve tracked how players like LeBron James in 2013 used strong finishes to secure the award, while others, say James Harden in 2019, lost momentum due to April fatigue. It’s a delicate dance, and from my chats with analysts, I’d estimate that about 40% of voters finalize their picks in the last two weeks, amplifying the pressure on contenders to deliver when it matters most.

In wrapping up, the NBA MVP voting process is far from perfect, but its blend of structure and subjectivity is what makes it compelling. Reflecting on that UST example—where faith in a mentor persists through ups and downs—I’m reminded why we love sports: leadership and consistency often trump raw numbers. If I had a vote, I’d prioritize players who redefine team culture, not just stat sheets. Ultimately, understanding this system enriches our fandom, turning heated debates into informed discussions. So next time you’re arguing about who deserves the trophy, remember it’s not just about points or wins; it’s about how 100 voices piece together a story of greatness.