In the "National Basketball Association" foreign NBA players are also known as international players—are those who were born outside of the United States. Players who were born in U.S. overseas territories, such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, are considered international players even if they are U.S. citizens. In some borderline cases, the NBA takes into consideration whether a player desires to be identified as international.
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Hank Biasatti, who was born in Italy but raised in Canada, was the first international player in the league in 1946. The number of international players in the league rose after the formation of the Dream Team when NBA players were allowed into Olympic play starting in 1992. Global interest in basketball subsequently soared. On opening day of the 1991–92 season, NBA rosters included 23 international players from 18 countries. At the start of the 2013–14 season, there were 92 players from 39 countries and territories. At the start of the 2014–15 season, there were 101 players from 37 countries and territories. At the start of the 2015–16 season, there were 100 players from 37 countries and territories. At the start of the 2016–17 season, there was a record-high 113 international players from 41 countries and territories.
The number of players on opening-night rosters broke an all-time league record first set in 2010–11 and tied in 2012–13, and the number of countries represented surpassed the record set in 2010–11. In addition, the San Antonio Spurs set an all-time record for international players on an opening-night squad, with 10 during the 2013-14 season.
This list includes all international players who have played in the NBA and also includes all players who were born in the United States but have represented other countries in international basketball competition. Players listed under the United States were born outside of the country but have represented them in international basketball tournament. Players who were born outside the United States to American parents and players who became naturalized U.S. citizens are also included in that section.
By country
As of the 2015–16 season, Canada has produced the most foreign players, with 34. From European countries, Serbia has produced 25 players. Brazil is the leading South American contributor with a total of 17 players. Nigeria has produced the most NBA players of any African nation with 14 players, while Australia has produced a total of 19 players. China has produced 5 NBA players, the most among Asian countries. The former Yugoslavia, which dissolved into six independent countries, has contributed a total of 65 players while the former Soviet Union, which dissolved into 15 independent countries, has contributed a total of 29 players to the NBA.
List
Note: This list is correct through the start of the 2016–17 season.