Wembanyama Rejects Gambling Deals to Keep Career Focus

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has not missed a game in the 2026-27 season, a streak that underscores his commitment to physical health. In an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes released on Sunday, the French star explained why he avoids certain sponsorships and how he manages his body on and off the court.

Wembanyama stated that he chooses sponsors based on what they promote. He said he wants to back healthy habits rather than vices. He noted, "I want to promote healthy things, and by healthy, I don't just mean the food, but healthy habits, things that make people's lives better." He rejected the idea of promoting gambling or alcohol, viewing those choices as a way to define his public persona.

The player also addressed his unusual habit of walking barefoot. He explained that he wears minimalistic shoes to strengthen his feet. Wembanyama said, "if you've got good foot strength, which brings a good foot posture, everything else can level up the right way. Knee, hip, back and everything." He believes this approach prevents the foot problems that have plagued many NBA centers in the past.

His time with former coach Gregg Popovich shaped his mindset regarding performance. Wembanyama recalled a lesson from film sessions about humility. Popovich told the team, "after a win, you're rarely as good as you thought you were. And after a loss, you're rarely as bad as you thought you were." Wembanyama said this perspective helps him stay balanced after both victories and defeats.

Wembanyama reflected on his life in the United States since arriving more than three years ago. He described his experience as atypical for a regular American. He said, "I live the life of an athlete, a rich person, the life of somebody that's gonna have everything taken care of no matter what I do." He acknowledged that social interactions in the U.S. feel less in-depth than in France, though he noted the country does not judge ambition.

The Spurs enter the current season as the championship favorite after a recent injury surge affected their rivals. They won four straight games following their first two losses of the year. This momentum follows a 2025-26 postseason where the team reached the NBA Finals but lost to the New York Knicks. In that series, San Antonio blew double-digit leads in all four games. Wembanyama said he learned from the criticism that followed those losses, noting that he did not need to play with excessive aggression to win.

The player aims to use his platform to influence how other stars conduct themselves. He remains cautious about his image, stating that his choice of endorsements is not final as he continues to grow as a person. He plans to keep making decisions that align with his personal values and long-term goals.