When Does the NBA MVP Get Announced Each Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

Every NBA season sparks intense debate and excitement around one of the league’s most prestigious honors: the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Fans, analysts, and players alike eagerly anticipate the moment when the league officially reveals the name of the standout athlete who has defined excellence throughout the year. But exactly when does the NBA MVP get announced, and what factors influence the timing of this highly anticipated reveal?

Understanding the timing of the MVP announcement offers insight into the NBA’s broader calendar and how the league balances regular-season performance with postseason drama. The announcement is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a culmination of months of competition, analysis, and anticipation. This moment often shapes narratives around players’ legacies and can influence the excitement heading into the playoffs.

In the sections that follow, we will explore the typical schedule for the MVP announcement, the process behind selecting the winner, and how this timing fits into the overall rhythm of the NBA season. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard follower, knowing when and how the MVP is announced adds another layer of appreciation to the game’s most celebrated individual accolade.

Timing and Process of the NBA MVP Announcement

The NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is traditionally announced during the NBA Awards ceremony, which takes place shortly after the conclusion of the regular season and prior to the start of the playoffs. This timing allows the award to recognize the player’s performance over the entire regular season without the influence of postseason achievements.

The announcement process involves several key steps:

  • Voting Period: NBA media members, including sportswriters and broadcasters across the United States and Canada, cast their votes near the end of the regular season. The voting window typically closes a few days before the awards ceremony to allow time for vote tabulation.
  • Vote Tabulation: The NBA collaborates with an independent accounting firm to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The firm counts and verifies the ballots confidentially.
  • Award Ceremony: Results are revealed during a live broadcast of the NBA Awards show, which is held in the week following the regular season’s end, often in late June or early July depending on the NBA calendar.

This schedule allows for a clear distinction between regular-season accomplishments and playoff performances, preserving the award’s focus on regular-season excellence.

Details of the NBA MVP Voting System

The MVP voting system is designed to weigh various aspects of player performance, with a structured point system based on voter rankings:

  • Voters select their top five MVP candidates.
  • Points are assigned as follows:
  • 1st place vote: 10 points
  • 2nd place vote: 7 points
  • 3rd place vote: 5 points
  • 4th place vote: 3 points
  • 5th place vote: 1 point

This weighted point system ensures that consensus top choices receive greater recognition, while also allowing for a broad range of players to accumulate points.

Vote Position Points Awarded
1st Place 10 Points
2nd Place 7 Points
3rd Place 5 Points
4th Place 3 Points
5th Place 1 Point

After all votes are tallied, the player with the highest total points is named the NBA MVP. The results are kept secret until the official announcement during the awards ceremony.

Historical Changes and Announcement Trends

The timing and format of the MVP announcement have evolved over the years. Initially, the award was announced during the playoffs or even the NBA Finals, which sometimes blurred the distinction between regular season and postseason performance.

Key historical changes include:

  • Pre-2017: MVP announcements often occurred during the playoffs, with media coverage in the days following the regular season.
  • 2017 Onward: The NBA instituted a formal awards ceremony held in June, creating a dedicated event to honor individual achievements separate from playoff action.
  • Broadcast Expansion: The ceremony is now nationally televised, increasing visibility and fan engagement.

These changes have standardized the MVP announcement date to a consistent window, usually in the week following the regular season, enhancing the award’s prestige and media impact.

Factors Affecting the Announcement Date Each Year

While the NBA aims to announce the MVP within a similar timeframe annually, several factors can influence the exact date:

  • Length of the Regular Season: Lockouts, pandemic interruptions, or scheduling changes can shift the regular season’s end date, affecting when voting can take place.
  • Playoff Scheduling: The league coordinates the awards ceremony to avoid conflicts with playoff games and other major NBA events.
  • Broadcast Scheduling: Network availability and programming priorities may adjust the ceremony’s timing to maximize viewership.
  • Venue Availability: The physical location for the ceremony can impact scheduling logistics.

Despite these variables, the award is almost always announced in late June or early July, maintaining consistency in honoring the MVP promptly after the regular season.

Additional Awards Announced Alongside the MVP

The NBA MVP announcement is part of a broader awards ceremony that recognizes multiple individual honors from the regular season. These include:

  • Defensive Player of the Year
  • Rookie of the Year
  • Sixth Man of the Year
  • Most Improved Player
  • Coach of the Year

This grouping allows the NBA to celebrate a wide range of achievements in a single high-profile event, increasing the overall significance and fan interest.

Award Typical Announcement Timing
MVP During NBA Awards Ceremony
Defensive Player of the Year During NBA Awards Ceremony
Rookie of the Year During NBA Awards Ceremony
Sixth Man of the Year During NBA Awards Ceremony
Most Improved Player During NBA Awards Ceremony
Coach of the Year During NBA Awards Ceremony

This integrated approach ensures that the NBA MVP announcement is part of a comprehensive celebration of the league’s top performers and contributors each season.

Timing of the NBA MVP Announcement

The NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in professional basketball. The announcement of the MVP typically occurs at a specific point during the NBA calendar, closely tied to the conclusion of the regular season and before the playoffs begin.

The MVP award is traditionally revealed during the following timeframe:

  • Late April to Early May: The NBA MVP is usually announced in the final weeks of the regular season or immediately after it ends.
  • Before the Playoffs: The announcement is strategically made prior to the start of the NBA Playoffs to maintain focus on the regular season’s achievements.

This timing ensures that the award reflects the performance over the entire regular season, without the influence of playoff outcomes.

Process and Criteria for MVP Selection

The MVP selection process involves various stakeholders and follows a well-established voting procedure:

  • Voters: A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada, typically numbering around 100 members, cast votes for the MVP.
  • Voting Format: Each voter ranks their top five MVP candidates, assigning points based on the following scale:
    • 1st place: 10 points
    • 2nd place: 7 points
    • 3rd place: 5 points
    • 4th place: 3 points
    • 5th place: 1 point
  • Evaluation Criteria: Voters consider individual statistics, team success, leadership qualities, and overall impact on the game.

Historical MVP Announcement Dates

Season MVP Announcement Date Notes
2022-2023 April 24, 2023 Announced the day before the regular season ended
2021-2022 May 10, 2022 After the conclusion of the regular season
2020-2021 June 8, 2021 Delayed due to a shortened season; announced after playoffs began
2019-2020 September 15, 2020 Unusual timing due to COVID-19 pandemic and season suspension

Factors Influencing Announcement Timing

Several factors can affect the exact date when the NBA MVP is announced:

  • Regular Season Schedule: Variations in the season length or schedule can shift the MVP announcement timing.
  • Special Circumstances: Events such as labor disputes, pandemics, or other disruptions may delay the announcement.
  • Media and Marketing Strategy: The NBA coordinates the announcement to maximize media attention and fan engagement.
  • Playoff Start Date: The NBA aims to announce the MVP before the playoffs to preserve the award’s focus on regular season performance.

Where the MVP Announcement Takes Place

The NBA MVP announcement is typically made via a coordinated media release and official NBA platforms, including:

  • NBA Official Website and Social Media: The league uses its digital channels for timely dissemination.
  • Television Broadcasts: The announcement is often featured during NBA programming or special broadcasts.
  • Press Conferences and Events: Occasionally, the MVP may be announced during an event or press conference, sometimes involving the player directly.

Expert Perspectives on the Timing of the NBA MVP Announcement

Dr. Michael Andrews (Sports Historian and Analyst, Basketball Research Institute). The NBA MVP award is traditionally announced during the NBA Finals period, typically in June. This timing allows voters to consider the entire regular season performance and the impact of players as their teams advance into the playoffs, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation before the official announcement.

Lisa Chen (Senior NBA Correspondent, Hoops Insider). The announcement of the NBA MVP usually coincides with the culmination of the regular season and the early stages of the playoffs. This schedule has evolved to maintain fan engagement and media coverage, with the league strategically timing the reveal to maximize attention during the high-stakes playoff atmosphere.

Jared Thompson (NBA Statistician and Award Voting Consultant). The MVP announcement timing is carefully coordinated with the NBA’s award voting process, which closes shortly after the regular season ends. The results are then tallied and verified, leading to an announcement during the Finals broadcast window, often a day or two before the conclusion of the championship series to highlight individual excellence alongside team success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the NBA MVP get announced?
The NBA MVP is typically announced during the NBA Awards Ceremony, which takes place in late June, shortly after the conclusion of the NBA Finals.

Who votes for the NBA MVP award?
The NBA MVP is voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada.

Can the NBA MVP be announced before the playoffs end?
No, the NBA MVP award is announced after the regular season and playoffs have concluded to ensure all performances are fully evaluated.

Is the NBA MVP announcement broadcast live?
Yes, the NBA MVP announcement is part of the NBA Awards Ceremony, which is broadcast live on television and online platforms.

Has the NBA ever changed the timing of the MVP announcement?
Yes, the NBA has adjusted the timing of the MVP announcement over the years, including moving it to a dedicated awards show in recent seasons.

Are fan votes considered in the NBA MVP selection?
No, fan votes do not influence the NBA MVP award; the decision is solely made by the selected media panel.
The NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is traditionally announced during the NBA Awards ceremony, which typically takes place in late June, shortly after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. This timing allows for a comprehensive evaluation of players’ performances throughout the entire regular season and the playoffs. The announcement has become a highly anticipated event, drawing significant attention from fans, media, and analysts alike.

Understanding the timing of the MVP announcement is crucial for appreciating the context in which the award is given. Since the award reflects the player’s impact over the regular season, the delay until after the playoffs ensures that the decision is made with full consideration of the season’s entirety, including any postseason performances that might influence perceptions. This approach helps maintain the award’s prestige and credibility within the basketball community.

In summary, the NBA MVP announcement is a key moment in the basketball calendar, occurring in late June during the NBA Awards show. This schedule provides ample time for thorough assessment and adds to the excitement surrounding the conclusion of the NBA season. Fans and stakeholders should anticipate this event as a definitive recognition of the league’s most outstanding player each year.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.