The National Basketball Association (NBA) continues to underline its global reach, with a record 135 players born outside the United States featuring on opening-night rosters for the 2025-26 season, the league announced on Tuesday. Players from 43 countries across six continents are represented, further cementing the NBA’s reputation as the most international major sports league in North America.
This season marks the 12th consecutive year that the league has had at least 100 international players on opening-night rosters. The previous record of 125, set at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, has now been decisively surpassed.
Canada once again leads all non-U.S. nations in representation, boasting 23 players—its 12th straight year at the top. The group is headlined by Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led his team to the NBA title in June and has become one of the league’s brightest global icons.
France, Australia, and Germany share second place, each contributing seven players to the league, reflecting the growing strength of basketball programs in Europe and Oceania. Serbia follows closely with six players, maintaining its position as one of the world’s top producers of elite basketball talent.
At the team level, the Atlanta Hawks feature a record-tying 10 international players, underscoring their commitment to global scouting and development. The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors each have seven international players, continuing a trend of diversity that has reshaped rosters across the NBA.
Europe remains the continent with the most representation, supplying a record 71 players. Among them are several of the league’s biggest names—Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece, Nikola Jokic from Serbia, Luka Doncic from Slovenia, and France’s rising star Victor Wembanyama. Together, they have not only dominated individual awards and All-NBA selections but have also helped redefine the modern style of play through versatility and skill.
The NBA’s global expansion continues to pay dividends, with its international player pool serving as a reflection of basketball’s universal appeal. As the 2025-26 season tips off, fans worldwide will see unprecedented international influence shaping the league’s narrative, from MVP races to championship pursuits.
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