By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: NBA
The NBA will begin its 2026 / 27 season with a record number of players born in Africa or with at least one parent born on the continent, underlining the growing influence of African talent and heritage across the league.
More than 60 players on opening night rosters have African ties, including more than 25 with connections to Nigeria. The group includes Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.
The league also features 125 international players from 43 countries across six continents. It is the sixth consecutive season with at least 120 international players and the 13th in a row with at least 100. All 30 teams have at least one international player, with the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards leading the way with seven each.
Nigeria has a record six players representing the country directly, while France leads all nations with 17 international players. Canada follows with 16, ahead of Australia with nine, Germany with seven and Serbia with six.
France’s contingent is led by San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Canada’s leading figure is Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who has won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in each of the past two seasons.
International players continue to shape the NBA’s biggest individual honours. Four have claimed the last eight MVP awards: Gilgeous Alexander, Serbia’s Nikola Jokić, Embiid of Cameroon and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also has Nigerian heritage.
The new season also features a record 19 international players who have previously been selected as NBA All Stars. More than 45 players on opening night rosters have participated in Basketball Without Borders, the development programme run by the NBA and FIBA.
The 81st NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday with a tripleheader, including the defending champions hosting Philadelphia, while San Antonio face Oklahoma City later in the night.
The season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories, with coverage available in more than 50 languages through international broadcast partners and NBA League Pass.