The National Basketball Association (NBA) marked a milestone at the start of the 2025/26 season on Tuesday (21), with 135 players born outside the United States on the rosters of the 30 franchises. The athletes represent 43 countries across six continents, matching the previous record set in 2017/18. This global presence reflects the league’s growth, with at least 100 internationals on the court for the 12th consecutive season.
Canada leads with 23 representatives, followed by France with 19. Europe dominates with 71 players, over half of the total. Every team features at least one foreigner, highlighting diversity in the lineups.
- Canada: 23 athletes, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- France: 19 players, with Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
- Australia: 13 representatives, such as Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls.
The number surpasses the previous record of 125 from 2023/24, reinforcing international influence in the competition.
Key European players in opening rosters
Giannis Antetokounmpo, from Greece and the Milwaukee Bucks, is among the standout European stars. He won the NBA title in 2021 and two MVP awards. Nikola Jokić, a Serb with the Denver Nuggets, claimed the championship in 2023 and three consecutive MVPs.
Luka Dončić, from Slovenia and the Dallas Mavericks, has five All-Star Game selections. Victor Wembanyama, a Frenchman with the San Antonio Spurs, was named Rookie of the Year in 2023/24 and an All-Star in 2025. These athletes elevate team performance.
Growing African and Asian representation
Africa contributes over 55 players born on the continent or with family ties. Brazil has a modest presence with Gui Santos of the Golden State Warriors. Asia features players like Rui Hachimura, a Japanese player with the Los Angeles Lakers.
These numbers show expansion beyond Europe. Countries like Nigeria and Senegal send emerging talents. The league sees growth in global youth training programs.
Gui Santos seeks minutes in the Warriors’ rotation. His defensive versatility catches coaches’ attention.
Countries with the most athletes
Canada maintains its lead outside the U.S. for the 12th season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the title in June 2025 and won MVP in 2024/25. France hits a record with 19, including Wembanyama and other young talents.
Australia and Germany tie with seven each. Serbia follows with six, driven by Jokić. The United Kingdom records four representatives.
- France: Noted for Wembanyama’s versatile defense.
- Australia: Giddey’s speed in transitions.
- Germany: Dennis Schröder’s shooting accuracy.
These countries form strong cores in conferences.
Teams with the most internationals
The Atlanta Hawks start with 10 foreigners, tying a record. The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors have seven each. These teams leverage diversity for varied strategies.
The Hawks pair Trae Young with internationals. The Blazers integrate global rookies. The Warriors, with Gui Santos, seek bench depth.
The distribution balances strength across conferences. Western teams like the Nuggets benefit from Jokić.
Evolution of global presence in the league
The NBA has expanded international academies since 2010. Over 50 players came through programs like Basketball Without Borders. Nine NBA academy alumni debut in rosters.
The latest title went to the Thunder, with Gilgeous-Alexander as the star. Seven consecutive MVPs were foreigners, from Jokić to Embiid. This trend strengthens competitions.
Youth programs identify talents early. Emerging countries invest in infrastructure. The league plans more games outside the U.S.
Coaches adapt tactics to international profiles. Mixed rotations improve playoff chemistry. Data shows fewer injuries in diverse rosters.
Brazilian contributions beyond the court
Gui Santos is the only Brazilian player in the rosters. Anderson Varejão works on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching staff. Leandrinho Barbosa coaches with the Sacramento Kings.
Tiago Splitter is part of the Portland Trail Blazers’ staff. Felipe Eichenberger and Claus Souza work with the Denver Nuggets. These professionals influence youth development.
Brazil sees growth in minor leagues. Santos trains for regular minutes. Varejão focuses on video analysis.
These presences elevate national basketball. Local federations adopt NBA models.
