22
Oct
Global Game
Record 135 international players make NBA rosters
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images.
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A record 135 international players including 15 Australians make NBA opening-night rosters.
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A record 135 international players from 43 countries are on NBA opening-night rosters for the 2025–26 season, including a record-tying 15 Australian or Australian-born players.
It marks the fifth consecutive season with at least 120 international players and the 12th straight with more than 100.
All 30 teams feature at least one international player.
The 15 Australians on rosters match the record set in previous years, as the country continues to maintain one of the NBA’s largest international contingents.
Australia is the third most-represented nation outside the United States, behind Canada (23 players) and France (19 players). Australia continues to be one of the NBA’s key international pipelines, with several players having developed through Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence and the NBL’s Next Stars program.
The 2025–26 season also features a record 71 European players and more than 55 players either born in Africa or with at least one parent from the continent. Nine players are NBA Academy alumni, and more than 50 have participated in Basketball Without Borders programs.
The NBA’s 80th regular season tips off today with a doubleheader as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets, followed by the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers.
The league will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages through its global broadcast partners and NBA League Pass.
