The NBA announced a record of more than 60 players born in Africa or with at least one parent born on the continent were included in opening-night rosters for the 2026-2027 season. Overall, the 30 teams featured 125 international players from 43 countries, matching the record for countries and territories represented in an opening-night roster.
More than 25 players were born in Nigeria or have a Nigerian parent, while several Senegalese players or players of Senegalese origin were included. Mouhamed Guèye and Georges Niang were listed with the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz respectively, while Tacko Fall returned to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract. Young centre Khalifa Diop, drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, primarily plays in Europe.
France led the NBA’s international-player rankings for the first time in 13 seasons, with 17 players, followed by Canada with 16. Nigeria set a national record with six players, while Australia had nine, Germany and Serbia seven and six respectively. Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić were among the 70 European players counted.
