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Record 135 International Players from 43 Countries Make Up National Basketball Association (NBA) Opening-Night Rosters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Basketball Association (NBA) features a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries across six continents on its opening-night rosters. This marks the fifth consecutive season with at least 120 international players and the 12th straight season with at least 100 international players. The Atlanta Hawks have a record-tying 10 international players, and all 30 teams feature at least one international player.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NBA has a record 135 international players from 43 countries on its opening-night rosters, a significant increase from the previous year.
  • The number of international players has increased for the fifth consecutive season, with at least 120 international players on the rosters.
  • The Atlanta Hawks have a record-tying 10 international players, with the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors following closely with seven international players each.
  • Canada has the most international players outside of the United States, with 23 players, including 2025 NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2024-25 Kia NBA MVP.
  • Four international players have won the last seven Kia NBA MVP Awards, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
  • The 2025-26 season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages through the league's broadcast partners around the world.

Statistics:

  • 135 international players from 43 countries are on the opening-night rosters, a record high.
  • The number of international players has increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
  • 23 players from Canada are on the opening-night rosters, the most from any country outside the United States.
  • The Atlanta Hawks have a record-tying 10 international players among their opening-night roster.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE-October 22, 2025-: National Basketball Association (NBA) Rosters Feature Record 135 International Players from Record-Tying 43 Countries across Six Continents

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