Record 135 International Players, 25 Canadians Highlight NBA 2025-26 Opening Night Rosters

The 2025-26 NBA season features a significant presence of former college basketball players across its rosters, highlighting talent from various universities and countries. Tennessee has six former players active in the league, including Lanier and Knecht, who both had standout collegiate careers and promising starts in the NBA. Michigan leads with 14 former players on NBA rosters, including Kobe Bufkin, who recently became a free agent after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Indiana contributes five players with notable veterans like OG Anunoby and Gordon, while LSU also has six former players participating, including seasoned veterans and recent draft picks. Internationally, a record 135 players from 43 countries are on opening night rosters, with Canada being the most represented country outside the U.S., boasting 25 players and recent NBA champions such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort. This diverse mix underscores the NBA's global and collegiate impact on the league's competitive landscape this season.