For decades, the face of the NBA has been a title held by American superstars. From Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James to Stephen Curry, the league’s most marketable and dominant players have largely been homegrown. But in recent years, international stars have not only taken over the MVP conversation but are now in serious contention to be the defining player of the next era.
As LeBron James nears the end of his historic career, the NBA is searching for its next global icon. Two players, in particular, have emerged as prime candidates for that role: Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić. With their generational talent, unique skill sets, and rising popularity, it’s fair to ask—could the next face of the NBA be European?
Victor Wembanyama: A Unicorn Unlike Any Other
Victor Wembanyama may be the most hyped NBA prospect since LeBron James. At 7’4” with guard-like agility and a skill set that defies traditional basketball positions, he is redefining what a superstar big man can be. In his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, he has already shown flashes of dominance—blocking shots effortlessly, handling the ball like a guard, and knocking down three-pointers with confidence.
What sets Wembanyama apart from past dominant big men is his ability to impact both ends of the floor at an elite level. Defensively, he is a nightmare for opponents, altering shots and covering ground in ways never seen before. Offensively, he can score from anywhere, handle the ball in transition, and make plays like a point guard despite his towering frame.
Wembanyama’s marketability is also undeniable. His highlight-reel plays are made for the social media era, and his international appeal could make him the most recognizable global star the NBA has seen since Shaquille O’Neal. If the Spurs build a contender around him, he could very well be the dominant force of the next decade.
Luka Dončić: The Next Global Superstar?
Luka Dončić has been a household name since he entered the NBA in 2018. The Slovenian phenom has already established himself as one of the league’s premier players, with a blend of scoring, passing, and clutch performances that rival the greats. Despite being just in his mid-20s, he’s already put up historic playoff performances, drawn comparisons to Larry Bird, and cemented himself as one of the best offensive talents of his generation.
Luka’s playstyle is built for superstardom. His ability to control the pace of the game, hit step-back threes, and make impossible passes makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch. He has the charisma and confidence to be the face of the NBA, and his stats already put him in elite historical company.
However, the one thing potentially holding Luka back from reaching the top tier of NBA stardom is his market. While Dallas is a strong basketball city, it doesn’t carry the same global marketing pull as cities like Los Angeles, New York, or even Miami. If Dončić were to join a larger-market team—such as the Lakers, Knicks, or another major franchise—his visibility and commercial appeal could skyrocket.
The possibility of Dončić eventually leaving Dallas for a bigger stage is something NBA fans and analysts have speculated about. If he were to land in a major media market, he could become the face of the league almost overnight.
European Dominance in the NBA
The rise of Wembanyama and Dončić isn’t happening in a vacuum. The past few years have seen an explosion of European talent dominating the NBA. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić have won multiple MVPs, and the league is more international than ever before. This shift has challenged the traditional notion that the NBA’s biggest stars must come from the United States.
In fact, the last five MVPs before Wembanyama entered the league were won by non-American players (Giannis, Jokić, and Joel Embiid). The style of play in European basketball—where fundamentals, passing, and versatility are emphasized—has translated exceptionally well to the modern NBA.
Who Will Be the Face of the NBA?
Both Wembanyama and Dončić have compelling cases to become the league’s most dominant player in the post-LeBron era. Wembanyama’s physical gifts and defensive presence could make him the most unstoppable force in the game, while Dončić’s offensive brilliance and clutch performances have already made him one of the most feared players in the league.
The deciding factors will be team success, marketability, and championships. If Wembanyama can turn the Spurs into a dynasty, his name will be at the top of the list. If Dončić moves to a bigger market and wins multiple titles, he could easily become the face of the league.
One thing is clear: the NBA is no longer just an American game. The next face of the league may very well be European, and Wembanyama and Dončić are leading the charge.
