In sports, a most valuable player award is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual as the most performing player (or players) in an entire league, for a particular competition, or on a specific team. Initially used in professional sports, the term is now also commonly used in amateur sports, as well as in other unrelated fields such as media,[3][4] business,[] and music.[] In many sports, MVP awards are presented for a specific match--in other words, a player of the match award.
The term is most common in the United States and Canada. In most other countries around the world, "player of the year" is used for a season-spanning award and "player of the match" for individual games. In Australia, Australian rules football clubs and leagues use the term "best and fairest", while those playing rugby league use "player of the year", such as the Dally M Medal.[5] The National Basketball League, however, uses the American-style "MVP" for its awards.[]
In many cases the awards are voted on by members of the media.[] In others the vote is by players, coaches, or umpires.[] In recent years,[when?]online polls from the public decide some awards.[]
Examples include:
The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team.
But we've seen enough, and we're making the call: CNN's John King is the MVP.
The Los Angeles Times has said King's indefatigable efforts and insight have made him the election's "MVP".