The NBA has announced that a record of more than 60 players either born in Africa or with at least one parent born on the continent are on opening-night rosters for the 2026-27 season. The figure underlines the continued growth of African representation across the league.
Nigeria accounts for more than 25 of the group. Three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo (Heat) has ties to Nigeria, as do two-time NBA champion OG Anunoby (New York Knicks) and 2021 NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, now in Miami. 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) and four-time All-Star Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers) both have Cameroonian roots, while 2026 No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards) has ties to the Republic of the Congo.
Overall, opening-night rosters feature 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries across six continents, including 70 Europeans. This is the sixth straight 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 tying for the league high at seven.
The 2026-27 NBA regular season tipped off on 20 October with a tripleheader broadcast on beIN Sports, Canal+ and SuperSport, and will reach fans in 214 countries and territories.
