The NBA’s global appeal continues to grow, with 135 international players set to feature in the 2025/26 season, which tips off on Tuesday night — the highest in the league’s history, Afrosport reports.
Players from 43 countries across six continents are represented, underlining the NBA’s growing global reach. International players continue to dominate, having claimed each of the last seven MVP awards.
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Canada continues to lead the way with 23 players, headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league and Finals MVP, who guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to the first NBA Championship in June.
France, Australia, and Germany follow with seven players each, while Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, has six.
The Atlanta Hawks boast a record-equalling 10 international players, ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors, who each have seven. All 30 teams have at least one international player on their roster.
Europe remains the strongest contributor, with a record 71 players featuring this season — among them are global stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Jokic, Luka Doncic (Slovenia), and Victor Wembanyama (France). More than 55 players were either born in Africa or have at least one parent of African descent.
