Sports News Report
Sport: BasketballCountry: GlobalCategory: Scores & Results

NBA opening night features 125 international players from 43 countries

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 5:40 PM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

NBA opening night features 125 international players from 43 countries
Summary

The NBA's opening-night roster includes 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. This represents 27.8% of total roster spots, a slight decrease from last season's 135. France tops the list with 17 players, while Canada has 16., four international players have claimed the last eight MVP Awards. The representation of African players continues to grow, reaching over 60, with notable names like Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam. In total, the league features 70 European players, matching the previous season's record.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •125 international players on NBA rosters for 2026-27 season
  • •France leads nations with 17 international players
  • •Four international players have won last eight MVPs
  • •Over 60 players have African ties, a new record
  • •NBA features 70 European players again this season
Latest Updates
  • 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — NBA has 125 international players on opening day rosters, France leads way with 17
What they're saying
"

This season, 27.8% of available NBA roster spots are going to international players, down slightly from last season.

Related Teams & Leagues
Basketball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days