NBA opens new season with record 60+ African players, six listed for Nigeria
- The NBA says more than 60 players born in Africa or with an African-born parent are on 2026-27 opening-night rosters, a record.
- Nigeria has six players listed, level with Serbia and behind France, Canada and Germany.
- More than 25 players on rosters have Nigerian connections, including Bam Adebayo and OG Anunoby.
The NBA begins its 81st season with more players of African background than ever before, the league said. More than 60 players born in Africa, or with at least one parent born there, are on opening-night rosters for the 2026-27 campaign.
Nigeria is at the centre of that rise. The league lists six players under Nigeria, level with Serbia and behind France (17), Canada (16) and Germany (seven).
The six are Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons), Charles Bassey (Golden State Warriors), Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers), Precious Achiuwa (Sacramento Kings), Josh Okogie (Utah Jazz) and Felix Okpara (Washington Wizards).
Beyond those listed for Nigeria, more than 25 players on rosters have Nigerian connections, according to the league. That group includes Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Cameroon is represented by Joel Embiid of the 76ers and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers. The Wizards' AJ Dybantsa, the number one pick in the 2026 draft, has ties to the Republic of the Congo.
Why it matters for Nigerian fans
Nigerian basketball fans will have plenty of reasons to follow the new season. The Sun reported that games will be shown across Africa on SuperSport, and the league said its broadcasts reach 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages.
The wider international picture is also strong. Rosters carry 125 international players from 43 countries, tying the record for countries represented, with 70 from Europe. All 30 teams have at least one international player.
France's group is led by San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Canada's includes Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning two-time MVP.
The league said four international stars have shared the last eight MVP awards: Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Embiid and Antetokounmpo. A record 19 former All-Stars from outside the United States are on opening-night rosters, and more than 45 players came through Basketball Without Borders, the NBA and FIBA's development programme.
What happens next
The season tips off with a tripleheader: the Boston Celtics visit the Pistons, the defending champion Knicks host the 76ers, and the Spurs face the Thunder. For Nigerian fans, the first weeks will show how much court time the six players listed for Nigeria get.
