• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

As NBA Expands Global Footprint, Rosters Have More International Players Than Ever

  • Global efforts reflected in unprecedented number of foreign-born players
  • International presence spans 40 countries and territories across six continents
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA’s on-court makeup is increasingly reflecting its expanding global footprint.

As the 2023-24 season tips off on Tuesday, the league said that opening-night rosters feature a record 125 international players spanning 40 countries and territories on six continents. At least 100 international players have filled opening-night rosters each of the last 10 seasons. 

All 30 NBA teams have at least one foreign-born player, and the current player total tops the prior record of 121 seen in both the 2017-18 and 2021-22 seasons.

But not only is the NBA’s international talent pool growing in size, it also reflects much of the league’s top talent. Three international players — Philadelphia Joel Embiid, Denver’s Nikola Jokić, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo — have won the last five MVP awards and two of the last three NBA Finals MVP awards, while 15 current international players have been All-Stars.

Canada is the most represented non-U.S. country with 26 players, followed by France’s 14 — including San Antonio rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama — and Australia’s nine.

Games Outside The U.S.

That expanding player base dovetails with expanding business activity for the league around the world, including broadcasting of its games in 214 countries and territories, recent preseason games staged in the United Arab Emirates, and planned regular-season games this season in Mexico and France.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

ESPN’s New NBA Segment Resists Hot Takes

LeBron James tweeted in favor of the new segment.

NBA Season About to Tip Off With New TV Deal—but No LeBron..

James will reportedly be out until mid-November.

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges

The buy-in price for the league will more than triple.
October 15, 2025

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.
WNBA
October 16, 2025

WNBA Says All-Star Game Will Return to Chicago Next Year

The league’s CBA expires in two weeks.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
October 14, 2025

Dawn Staley Says NBA Far From Ready to Hire a Female Head..

South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach interviewed with the Knicks.
October 14, 2025

Cavaliers Go All In, Lead NBA With Record $392M Payroll

The Cavs are the only second-apron violator in the NBA.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.
October 13, 2025

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion
October 12, 2025

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.