NBA sets record with 135 international players from 43 countries to open 2025-26 season

The NBA continues expanding its global reach as the 2025-26 season tips off with a record 135 international players from 43 countries and six continents on opening-night rosters, the league announced Tuesday.

It marks the 12th straight season that the NBA has featured at least 100 international players to begin the season, highlighting how basketball’s popularity has evolved far beyond American borders. The record surpasses the previous mark of 125 international players set in the 2023-24 season.

The NBA regular season opens Tuesday.

Canada leads the way

Canada once again leads all non-U.S. countries with 23 players, continuing its run as a growing basketball powerhouse. France, Australia and Germany follow, each producing seven players on opening-night rosters. The influx of international talent from those nations reflects the expanding global development pipelines that continue to feed the league.

The Atlanta Hawks will begin the season with a record-tying 10 international players, the most of any team. The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors each have seven. Every NBA franchise has at least one player born outside the United States, a sign that international presence is no longer the exception but the standard.

International players leading candidates for MVP

Europe continues to produce the most international talent, with a record 71 players from the continent. Among them are reigning MVP Nikola Jokić of Serbia (Denver Nuggets), Luka Dončić of Slovenia (Los Angeles Lakers), Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece (Milwaukee Bucks) and rising French star Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) . 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has long pointed to the league’s global expansion as one of its defining achievements. With international academies, youth development programs and preseason exhibitions held in countries such as the Philippines, France and the United Arab Emirates, the league has positioned itself as the premier global basketball brand.

The NBA's growing international footprint has also benefited its business interests, boosting television ratings, merchandise sales and fan engagement in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As players from more nations continue to make an impact, their popularity at home further fuels the league’s worldwide visibility.