MELBOURNE, 23 February 2026 – The National Basketball League (NBL) has crowned its champion for the 2025/26 season, with Adelaide 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton making history at the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards night. In a ceremony held this evening, Cotton secured his sixth MVP trophy, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace Australian courts.
Cotton Claims Historic Sixth MVP
In what was described as a “showdown for the ages,” Bryce Cotton edged out Sydney Kings guard Kendric Davis to claim the NBL26 Most Valuable Player Award. This victory marks Cotton’s first MVP win since his high-profile move from the Perth Wildcats to the Adelaide 36ers in May 2025.
The win moves Cotton into sole possession of second place on the all-time MVP winners list, now trailing only the legendary Andrew Gaze. Cotton’s dominance throughout the season was pivotal in Adelaide’s campaign, as he fended off a late-season surge from Davis, who was widely considered the primary challenger for the league’s top individual honour.
NBL26 Award Winners
While the Andrew Gaze Trophy was the centrepiece of the evening, several other key figures were recognised for their contributions to the 2025/26 season:
- Andrew Gaze MVP Award: Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers)
- Lindsay Gaze Trophy (Coach of the Year): Brian Goorjian (Sydney Kings) – A record-extending seventh win.
- Gametime by Kmart Award: Malith Machar.
All-Time NBL MVP Leaders
The NBL Most Valuable Player Award, first presented in 1979, has been dominated by a select group of multi-time winners. Following tonight’s results, the leaderboard for the most titles in league history is as follows:
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Total Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Gaze | Melbourne Tigers | 7 |
| 2 | Bryce Cotton | Perth Wildcats, Adelaide 36ers | 6 |
| 3 | Leroy Loggins | Brisbane Bullets | 3 |
| 4 | Scott Fisher | North Melbourne Giants, Perth Wildcats | 2 |
The Voting Process
The NBL MVP is determined through a ranked voting system. Following each game, the lead coach from both competing teams submits a vote, ranking the best players on the court. These votes are tallied throughout the regular season to determine the finalists and the eventual winner announced at the annual “Gazeys” awards night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most NBL MVP awards?
Andrew Gaze holds the record with seven MVP awards, all won during his tenure with the Melbourne Tigers. Bryce Cotton follows closely with six awards.
What is the NBL MVP trophy called?
The trophy is named the Andrew Gaze Trophy, in honour of the league’s most decorated player and seven-time winner.
When was the 2025/26 MVP announced?
The winner was announced on Monday, 23 February 2026, during the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards night in Melbourne.
Who were the finalists for the NBL26 MVP?
The primary frontrunners for the 2025/26 season were Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers) and Kendric Davis (Sydney Kings), with Cotton ultimately taking the award.