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Record 135 International Players on NBA Opening-Night Rosters

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Basketball Association has announced a record number of international players on opening-night rosters for the 2025-26 season, with 135 players from 43 countries across six continents. This is the fifth consecutive season that at least 120 international players have been on opening-night rosters and the 12th straight season that at least 100 international players have been on opening-night rosters. Among the international players are a record 71 Europeans, including 19 players from France and four from the UK, as well as a record-tying 13 from Australia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NBA has a record 135 international players on opening-night rosters, up from 125 last season and surpassing the previous record.
  • The number of countries represented has also tied a record high of 43, with players from six continents.
  • There are 71 European players, including a record 19 from France and 4 from the UK.
  • Players from Canada, Australia, and France have the highest number of players on opening-night rosters outside the US.
  • The Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors have the most international players on their opening-night rosters with 7 each.
  • Over 55 players were either born in Africa or have at least one parent from Africa, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Pascal Siakam.
  • A record 16 international players have been NBA All-Stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Rudy Gobert.
  • At least three international players have made the Kia All-NBA Team each season since 2018-19.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama were voted as the players most likely to win the 2025-26 Kia NBA MVP Award.
  • Victor Wembanyama was voted as the player GMs would most want to sign if they were starting a franchise today.

Statistics:

  • The 2025-26 NBA season will feature a record 135 international players on opening-night rosters.
  • 43 countries are represented on NBA opening-night rosters, tied for the record high.
  • 71 European players are on opening-night rosters, including a record 19 from France and 4 from the UK.
  • Over 55 players were either born in Africa or have at least one parent from Africa.
  • A record 16 international players have been NBA All-Stars.
  • At least three international players have made the Kia All-NBA Team each season since 2018-19.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are among the top vote-getters for the 2025-26 Kia NBA MVP Award.

Sources:

  • National Basketball Association (NBA) news release
  • NBA PR: International players on 2025-26 NBA rosters
  • ESPN
  • Yahoo Sports
  • Basketball Reference
  • NBA.com

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