Overview
- Opening‑night rosters feature 135 players born outside the U.S. from 43 countries across six continents, including a record 71 from Europe.
- Every team has at least one international player, and Canada leads all non‑U.S. nations with 23 players on opening‑night rosters.
- The NBA and FIBA are publicly progressing on a top‑tier European competition that could launch as early as 2027.
- Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum identified phase‑one target markets as Spain, the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, and possibly Turkey and Greece.
- Commissioner Adam Silver said he does not expect a near‑term talent drain to Europe and noted ownership interest from prominent families and institutions, as non‑U.S.‑born players have captured the last seven MVP awards.