Inside The Spurs

NBA Star Victor Wembanyama Makes Big Off-Court Announcement

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spoke about a new annual offseason event
Matt Guzman|
Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) prepares to throw a ball in to the stands in celebration of Fan Appreciation Day after a victory over the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center.
Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) prepares to throw a ball in to the stands in celebration of Fan Appreciation Day after a victory over the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

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SAN ANTONIO — If there were any similarities to draw between basketball and chess, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama found them all.

Between his "spectacularly simple" play style and his yearning to learn beyond the bounds of the sport, the Frenchman finds equal enjoyment in both activities. In July, he shared that with the rest of his hometown in Le Chesnay, France.

"First edition of Hoop Gambit was a success," Wembanyama wrote on Instagram. "One hundred fifty chess players, 300-plus hoopers. In my hometown, few minutes from where I grew up."

The first-annual "Hoop Gambit" was a cross between chess and basketball, with tournaments slated in both categories. Beyond Wembanyama's participation, several big-name chess players and Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert made the late-July trip.

Wembanyama had plenty to thank before making another announcement.

"Thank you to the city of Le Chesnay and the volunteer workers who helped achieve this project," he wrote. "Thank you to my partners, Nike and Chess.com, for supporting me. This is just the beginning, we’re going to do it bigger and even better next year."

No official date has been set for the second-annual Hoop Gambit, but assuming Wembanyama finds the same time he did this offseason preparing for what will be his fourth season next summer, perhaps Gobert will make another appearance.

He might not be the only other NBA star next time.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI. In the world of professional sports, he’s a firm believer that athletes are people, too. He aims to spotlight the true, behind-the-scenes character of players and teams through strong narrative writing and sharp, hooking ledes.

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