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NBA ROSTERS FEATURE RECORD 135 INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
FROM RECORD-TYING 43 COUNTRIES ACROSS SIX CONTINENTS
– Opening-Night Rosters Feature Record 71 European Players, Including Record 19 French Players –
– Fifth Consecutive Season with at Least 120 International Players and
12th Straight Season with at Least 100 International Players –
– All 30 Teams Feature at Least One International Player –
– Atlanta Hawks Have Record-Tying 10 International Players –
NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries across six continents are on opening-night rosters for the 2025-26 season. Among the record 135 international players are a record 71 Europeans, including a record 19 players from France and a record four from the UK, as well as a record-tying 13 from Australia. Opening-night rosters feature at least 120 international players for the fifth consecutive season and at least 100 international players for the 12th straight season. All 30 NBA teams feature at least one international player.
The previous record for international players (125) and the record for countries and territories represented (43) were set at the start of the 2023-24 and 2017-18 seasons, respectively.
The record 71 European players include 2021 NBA champion and two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks; Greece; ties to Nigeria), 2023 NBA champion and three-time Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets; Serbia), five-time NBA All-Star and Kia All-NBA First Team member Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers; Slovenia) and 2023-24 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and 2025 NBA All-Star Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs; France; ties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Canada (23 players), headlined by 2025 NBA champion and 2024-25 Kia NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), is the most-represented country outside the U.S. for the 12th consecutive season, followed by France, Australia, Germany (7) and Serbia (6).
The Atlanta Hawks feature a record-tying 10 international players, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors with seven apiece.
There are more than 55 players who were either born in Africa or have at least one parent from Africa, including Antetokounmpo, 2022-23 Kia NBA MVP and seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon), 2019 NBA champion and three-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon) and Wembanyama.
Below are additional international player milestones and storylines for the upcoming season:
- Four international players have won the last seven Kia NBA MVP Awards: Gilgeous-Alexander (2024-25), Jokić (2023-24, 2021-22 and 2020-21), Embiid (2022-23) and Antetokounmpo (2019-20 and 2018-19). Last season also marked the fourth consecutive season that three international players finished top three in MVP voting: Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 1), Jokić (No. 2) and Antetokounmpo (No. 3).
- There are a record 16 international players on opening-night rosters who have been NBA All-Stars: Antetokounmpo, Dončić, Embiid, Gilgeous-Alexander, Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves; France), Al Horford (Golden State Warriors; Dominican Republic), Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks; Australia), Jokić, Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz; Finland), Kristaps Porziņģis (Hawks; Latvia), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings; Lithuania), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets; Turkey), Siakam, Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls; Montenegro), Wembanyama and Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat; Canada).
- At least three international players have made the Kia All-NBA Team each season since 2018-19.
- In the 2025-26 NBA GM Survey, Jokić (No. 1), Dončić (No. 2), Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 3) and Wembanyama (No. 4) were voted the players most likely to win the 2025-26 Kia NBA MVP Award (67%, 10%, 8% and 7% of votes, respectively).
- Three international players were voted as the players GMs would most want to sign if they were starting a franchise today: Wembanyama (83% of votes), Gilgeous-Alexander (13% of votes) and Jokić (3% of votes).
- Opening-night rosters feature a record nine NBA Academy program alumni and more than 50 players who participated in Basketball Without Borders.
- There are also several American players with parents from other countries, including Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns; ties to the Philippines), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks; ties to the Dominican Republic) and Jaylin Williams (Thunder; ties to Vietnam).
The 80th NBA regular season tips off tonight with a doubleheader on NBC/Peacock as the defending NBA champion Thunder hosts the Rockets (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Warriors visit the Lakers (10 p.m. ET). The 2025-26 season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages through the league’s broadcast partners around the world and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App.
Below is the full list of international players on 2025-26 opening-night NBA rosters (active and inactive):
Country | Name | Team | Ties | ||||
Australia | Dyson Daniels | Atlanta Hawks |
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Australia | Josh Green | Charlotte Hornets |
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Australia | Josh Giddey | Chicago Bulls |
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Australia | Lachlan Olbrich* | Chicago Bulls |
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Australia | Luke Travers* | Cleveland Cavaliers |
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Australia | Tyrese Proctor | Cleveland Cavaliers |
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Australia | Danté Exum | Dallas Mavericks |
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Australia | Kyrie Irving | Dallas Mavericks |
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Australia | Alex Toohey* | Golden State Warriors |
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Australia | Johnny Furphy | Indiana Pacers | Ties to Papua New Guinea | ||||
Australia | Jock Landale | Memphis Grizzlies |
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Australia | Joe Ingles | Minnesota Timberwolves |
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Australia | Rocco Zikarsky* | Minnesota Timberwolves |
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Austria | Jakob Poeltl | Toronto Raptors |
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Bahamas | Buddy Hield | Golden State Warriors |
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Bahamas | Deandre Ayton | Los Angeles Lakers | Ties to Nigeria | ||||
Bahamas | VJ Edgecombe | Philadelphia 76ers |
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Belgium | Ajay Mitchell | Oklahoma City Thunder |
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Belgium | Toumani Camara | Portland Trail Blazers | Ties to Mali | ||||
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Jusuf Nurkić | Utah Jazz |
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Brazil | Gui Santos | Golden State Warriors |
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Cameroon | Pascal Siakam | Indiana Pacers |
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Cameroon | Christian Koloko* | Los Angeles Lakers |
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Cameroon | Yves Missi | New Orleans Pelicans |
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Cameroon | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers |
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Canada | Caleb Houstan* | Atlanta Hawks |
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Canada | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Atlanta Hawks |
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Canada | Emanuel Miller* | Chicago Bulls |
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Canada | Dwight Powell | Dallas Mavericks |
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Canada | Ryan Nembhard* | Dallas Mavericks |
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Canada | Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets |
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Canada | Jackson Rowe* | Golden State Warriors |
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Canada | Andrew Nembhard | Indiana Pacers |
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Canada | Bennedict Mathurin | Indiana Pacers | Ties to Haiti | ||||
Canada | Brandon Clarke | Memphis Grizzlies |
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Canada | Olivier-Maxence Prosper* | Memphis Grizzlies | Ties to Haiti | ||||
Canada | Zach Edey | Memphis Grizzlies |
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Canada | Andrew Wiggins | Miami Heat |
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Canada | Leonard Miller | Minnesota Timberwolves |
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Canada | Luguentz Dort | Oklahoma City Thunder |
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Canada | Dillon Brooks | Phoenix Suns |
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Canada | Shaedon Sharpe | Portland Trail Blazers |
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Canada | Kelly Olynyk | San Antonio Spurs |
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Canada | RJ Barrett | Toronto Raptors |
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Canada | AJ Lawson* | Toronto Raptors |
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Canada | Will Riley | Washington Wizards |
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Canada | Jahmyl Telfort* | LA Clippers | Ties to Haiti | ||||
Canada | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder |
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China | Yang Hansen | Portland Trail Blazers |
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Croatia | Karlo Matković | New Orleans Pelicans |
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Croatia | Ivica Zubac | LA Clippers |
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Croatia | Dario Šarić | Sacramento Kings |
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Czech Republic | Vít Krejčí | Atlanta Hawks |
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | Jonathan Kuminga | Golden State Warriors |
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | Bismack Biyombo | San Antonio Spurs |
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | Oscar Tshiebwe* |
XFINITY NAMED OFFICIAL TV SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE NBA AND WNBA
- Xfinity to Deliver a Seamless NBA Viewing Experience Through an Innovative, Personalized Platform -
NEW YORK, October 20, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a new multi-year partnership making Xfinity the leagues’ Official TV Service Provider. The partnership will enhance the game-viewing experience across Xfinity platforms, creating a seamless destination home to several innovative features that will make it easier for fans to watch and engage with the game.
Fans can watch more than 1,300 NBA games on Xfinity entertainment devices, across broadcast, cable or streaming services, through an entertainment platform packed with innovative features, including:
- Personalized Sports Zone: Each league will have its own dedicated hub, bringing together all live coverage from broadcast, cable, streaming apps and FAST channels in one place. Fans will be able to easily find and access live games across platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. These hubs can also be personalized to showcase live games, stats, news and highlights from fans’ favorite teams.
- Xfinity Multiview: With Multiview, customers can watch up to four games simultaneously on a single screen, making it a perfect viewing companion during the busiest parts of the season.
- Low Lag Streaming: When streaming games on Peacock, Prime Video or ESPN+, Xfinity ensures a spoiler- and interruption-free viewing experience.
- The Xfinity Stream App: Whether streaming on devices at home or on-the-go, fans can use the Xfinity Stream app to follow all the action wherever they are.
“Our partnership with Xfinity offers an innovative way for fans to experience and watch NBA games,” said Jared Blechman, VP, Global Business Development, NBA. “With features like Multiview and personalized Sports Zones, Xfinity is helping create a more immersive and seamless viewing experience that reflects how fans want to engage with the game today.”
“WNBA fans are engaging with the league in more dynamic ways than ever before, and Xfinity’s innovative platform will only enhance that experience,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “By making it easier to find, watch, and engage with our games, this partnership brings the WNBA even closer to our fans and helps us build on the incredible momentum driving the league forward.”
“Basketball fans want to feel like they’re courtside every night – whether they’re in their living room, on the road, or streaming from their phone – and Xfinity makes that possible,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Comcast. “From seamless access to over 1,300 NBA games, to Multiview, personalized Sports Zones, and low lag streaming, Xfinity is redefining how fans experience the NBA and WNBA. This partnership allows us to showcase the full power of our platform while delivering even more value, benefits, and unforgettable experiences to our customers.”
As part of the partnership, Xfinity will integrate its brand across marquee NBA and WNBA events including NBA All-Star, Emirates NBA Cup, NBA2K Summer League, AT&T WNBA All-Star and WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. Xfinity will also serve as the presenting sponsor of Peacock’s Monday Night Doubleheader, now branded Monday Night Doubleheader presented by Xfinity.
This partnership builds on Xfinity’s growing portfolio of both NBA and WNBA teams and arena partnerships, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics, strengthening the brand’s connection with basketball fans at both the national and local levels.
The sports viewing experiences Xfinity delivers on its devices are powered by Comcast’s Entertainment OS, an entertainment platform that supports tens of millions of devices globally. Combining cutting-edge technology with intuitive design, Entertainment OS enables Xfinity to bring together live TV, hundreds of thousands of free and transactional on-demand choices, plus over 450 streaming apps and channels into a seamless, personalized viewing experience that transforms the way customers experience entertainment.
The 80th NBA regular season begins with a doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, as part of American Express NBA Tip-Off 2025, when the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock as the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Houston Rockets (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET).
About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
NBA LAUNCHES “TAP TO WATCH” MAKING LIVE GAMES EASIER TO FIND AND ACCESS ACROSS DIGITAL PLATFORMS
– New “Tap to Watch” Initiative Will Provide Fans Direct Access to Live National and Local NBA Games, Including on ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock and Prime Video –
– “Tap to Watch” Access to be Provided at Launch via the NBA App, NBA.com and Team Digital Platforms as well as Partners such as Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, Roku and Dapper Labs –
NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the launch of “Tap to Watch,” a new digital initiative that simplifies how fans find and access live NBA game telecasts, starting with the 2025-26 season. Tap to Watch will leverage the NBA’s vast digital ecosystem to seamlessly direct fans to live NBA games from league, team and a range of popular third-party digital platforms, including all national games on ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video, as well as nearly all local games.
In addition to the NBA App, NBA.com and team apps and websites, Tap to Watch will provide access to game telecasts through national and local media partners and via other NBA partners such as Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, Roku, Dapper Labs and more. Further integrations with FanDuel, Fanatics and Yahoo Sports, as well as other digital and connected TV partners, will roll out during the season.
“We're proud to collaborate with our partners across the NBA digital ecosystem to make live games more accessible for our fans with Tap to Watch,” said NBA Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology & Operations Chris Benyarko. “Whether scrolling social media, using the NBA App, or checking scores on a partner platform, fans will know exactly where our games are and be taken directly to them.”
How Tap to Watch works for fans:
- NBA Digital Platforms: Fans can easily find and watch live NBA games through league and team digital platforms, which serve as the front door to basketball content. The “Games” and “Schedule” pages on NBA.com, the NBA App and team sites will show viewing options based on user information such as location. On those pages, fans can tap the “watch” button and be taken directly to the appropriate streaming service (national, local or NBA League Pass depending on game and location), where they can start watching if subscribed, or sign up if not.
- Third-Party Platforms: “Watch” call-to-actions across digital and social media platforms will be integrated organically into each partner’s offering in a manner that is unique to each platform and will direct fans to the proper national or local live game telecast.
The NBA App will also now offer Real-Time Scores, which will feature a live ticking clock with scores in sync with NBA arenas at virtually no latency. The function will bring fans closer to the action as they navigate to their live game destination.
WARRIORS’ JONATHAN KUMINGA FINED
NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2025 – Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident, for which Kuminga was assessed a technical foul and ejected, occurred with 0.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Golden State’s 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 14 at Moda Center.
NBA G LEAGUE AND NEXT GEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS UNION REACH HISTORIC MULTI-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 - The NBA G League and the Next Gen Basketball Players Union (NGBPU), the union for NBA G League players, have reached a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA will take effect at the start of the 2025-26 season and run through the 2028-29 season. This marks the first multi-year CBA in the 25-year history of the NBA G League.
The full CBA will be made available when finalized. A summary of key terms of the new CBA can be found here.
NBA G LEAGUE AND NEXT GEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS UNION REACH HISTORIC MULTI-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 - The NBA G League and the Next Gen Basketball Players Union (NGBPU), the union for NBA G League players, have reached a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA will take effect at the start of the 2025-26 season and run through the 2028-29 season. This marks the first multi-year CBA in the 25-year history of the NBA G League.
The full CBA will be made available when finalized. A summary of key terms of the new CBA can be found here.
BA NAMES THREE REFEREES TO 2025-26 OFFICIATING STAFF
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 – NBA G League referees Biniam Maru (Bih-nee-um Muh-roo), Pat O’Connell and Jenna Reneau (Reh-know) have been named NBA staff officials for the 2025-26 season, it was announced today by Albert Sanders, NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Referee Operations and Monty McCutchen, NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Referee Development and Training.
“We are very pleased to welcome Biniam, Pat and Jenna to our NBA officiating staff,” said Sanders. “Each official has consistently demonstrated the growth, professionalism, and performance quality to officiate NBA games on a regular basis.”
“Congratulations to Biniam, Pat and Jenna on their advancement to our NBA staff,” said McCutchen. “All three officials have worked diligently to reach the pinnacle of their profession and will continue to hone their craft as they take this next step.”
In addition to their NBA assignments this season, Maru, O’Connell and Reneau will continue to officiate NBA G League games. All NBA referees with fewer than four years of service in the NBA work NBA G League games to gain additional experience as crew chiefs and develop as leaders.
Maru refereed two NBA regular-season games as a non-staff official in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. The Chicago native has officiated six seasons in the NBA G League, where he worked playoff games in each of the last four seasons, including the 2025 Finals. His officiating experience also includes two years in the WNBA and seven years in college basketball.
O’Connell refereed NBA regular-season games as a non-staff official in 2021-22 (three games), 2022-23 (six), 2023-24 (seven) and 2024-25 (six). He has officiated seven years in the NBA G League, including three consecutive Finals in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The New Jersey native has also worked games in the Basketball Africa League, most recently in the 2025 Playoffs. O’Connell’s father, Brian O’Connell, is a longtime NCAA Division I men’s basketball referee.
Reneau refereed NBA regular-season games as a non-staff official in 2021-22 (12 games), 2022-23 (five), 2023-24 (seven) and 2024-25 (six). She has officiated nine years in the NBA G League, joining O’Connell as a Finals referee in each of the last three seasons. As a WNBA official, she worked four consecutive Playoffs from 2022-2025, including the Finals in 2024. The Texas native has five years of experience as a FIBA referee and officiated both men’s and women’s games in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 2025-26 NBA regular season will tip off Tuesday, Oct. 21 with a doubleheader on NBC/Peacock as the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Houston Rockets (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET).
For the complete list of 2025-26 NBA game officials, click here.
FANATICS COLLECTIBLES, NBA AND NBPA LAUNCH MULTIYEAR PARTNERSHIP TO ELEVATE THE COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE
– Launch Tips Off with 2025-26 Topps Basketball, Arriving Oct. 23 –
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 – Fanatics Collectibles, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced Topps’ return as the NBA and NBPA’s official exclusive trading card licensee. Topps, a worldwide leader in trading cards, is bringing fully licensed NBA and NBPA cards into its portfolio for the first time since the 2009-10 season with the launch of 2025-26 Topps Basketball, which will be released on Oct. 23 at Topps.com, hobby shops and major retailers worldwide.
The 2025-26 Topps Basketball collection will feature players from all 30 NBA teams, in addition to select NBA legends. The set will include Fanatics Collectibles exclusive athletes such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Legends featured in the product include Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and more. Through the collaboration, Fanatics Collectibles, which has direct partnerships with more than 300 current NBA players and legends, will deliver engaging experiences to fans throughout the NBA calendar.
“At Fanatics Collectibles, everything we do is driven by our passion for the hobby via an unwavering commitment to enhancing the collector experience and today is a monumental moment for our company as we launch our new license with the NBA and NBPA,” said Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan. “Beginning with the 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards and limited-edition Gold NBA Logoman Patch cards, we are constantly iterating on innovative and interactive ways with which we can deliver new and unique card formats. These then become collectibles to chase, cherish, and provide the current generation of fans and collectors with excitement, and will also propel a new generation of fans by providing more tangible ways for them to feel closer to their favorite NBA stars than ever before.”
“The NBA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles and the return of Topps to the NBA trading card space reflects an evolution in how we engage fans and approach the collectibles market,” said Matt Holt, Executive Vice President, Head of Merchandising Partnerships, NBA. “These cards connect physical memorabilia with storytelling and underscore our commitment to delivering immersive and meaningful experiences for fans and collectors alike.”
"The NBPA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles brings to life the collective influence of our players,” said Josh Goodstadt, Chief Commercial Officer at THINK450, the licensing, partnership, and innovation arm of the NBPA. “Topps has such a rich history in sports memorabilia and speaks to some of the most engaged fans who feel connected to players through trading cards.”
The partnership will include the launch of Topps’ Rookie Debut Patch and Gold NBA Logoman Patch when the regular season tips off on Oct. 21. The Topps Rookie Debut Patch is a one-of-a-kind patch affixed to a player’s jersey during their debut game. The patch will be later removed, authenticated, and, once signed by the applicable player, inserted into a 1/1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card to be included in a future Topps product.
Throughout the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the jerseys of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia Rookie of the Year and Kia Defensive Player of the Year will feature the Gold NBA Logoman Patch on the back. The patches will later be inserted into trading cards and this program will continue for future seasons.
Beginning Oct. 23, Topps and the NBA will host a series of fan celebrations at NBA stores across the globe to tip off the NBA season and Topps’ return to licensed basketball. Events in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and the Fanatics Collectibles store in London will feature giveaways and more surprises for basketball fans.
On Nov. 5, Topps Digital, the digital home for trading cards, is releasing NBA Collect by Topps® (https://play.toppsapps.com/
FANATICS COLLECTIBLES, NBA AND NBPA LAUNCH MULTIYEAR PARTNERSHIP TO ELEVATE THE COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE
- Launch Tips Off with 2025-26 Topps Basketball, Arriving Oct. 23 -
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 – Fanatics Collectibles, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced Topps’ return as the NBA and NBPA’s official exclusive trading card licensee. Topps, a worldwide leader in trading cards, is bringing fully licensed NBA and NBPA cards into its portfolio for the first time since the 2009-10 season with the launch of 2025-26 Topps Basketball, which will be released on Oct. 23 at Topps.com, hobby shops and major retailers worldwide.
The 2025-26 Topps Basketball collection will feature players from all 30 NBA teams, in addition to select NBA legends. The set will include Fanatics Collectibles exclusive athletes such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Legends featured in the product include Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and more. Through the collaboration, Fanatics Collectibles, which has direct partnerships with more than 300 current NBA players and legends, will deliver engaging experiences to fans throughout the NBA calendar.
“At Fanatics Collectibles, everything we do is driven by our passion for the hobby via an unwavering commitment to enhancing the collector experience and today is a monumental moment for our company as we launch our new license with the NBA and NBPA,” said Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan. “Beginning with the 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards and limited-edition Gold NBA Logoman Patch cards, we are constantly iterating on innovative and interactive ways with which we can deliver new and unique card formats. These then become collectibles to chase, cherish, and provide the current generation of fans and collectors with excitement, and will also propel a new generation of fans by providing more tangible ways for them to feel closer to their favorite NBA stars than ever before.”
“The NBA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles and the return of Topps to the NBA trading card space reflects an evolution in how we engage fans and approach the collectibles market,” said Matt Holt, Executive Vice President, Head of Merchandising Partnerships, NBA. “These cards connect physical memorabilia with storytelling and underscore our commitment to delivering immersive and meaningful experiences for fans and collectors alike.”
"The NBPA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles brings to life the collective influence of our players,” said Josh Goodstadt, Chief Commercial Officer at THINK450, the licensing, partnership, and innovation arm of the NBPA. “Topps has such a rich history in sports memorabilia and speaks to some of the most engaged fans who feel connected to players through trading cards.”
The partnership will include the launch of Topps’ Rookie Debut Patch and Gold NBA Logoman Patch when the regular season tips off on Oct. 21. The Topps Rookie Debut Patch is a one-of-a-kind patch affixed to a player’s jersey during their debut game. The patch will be later removed, authenticated, and, once signed by the applicable player, inserted into a 1/1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card to be included in a future Topps product.
Throughout the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the jerseys of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia Rookie of the Year and Kia Defensive Player of the Year will feature the Gold NBA Logoman Patch on the back. The patches will later be inserted into trading cards and this program will continue for future seasons.
Beginning Oct. 23, Topps and the NBA will host a series of fan celebrations at NBA stores across the globe to tip off the NBA season and Topps’ return to licensed basketball. Events in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and the Fanatics Collectibles store in London will feature giveaways and more surprises for basketball fans.
On Nov. 5, Topps Digital, the digital home for trading cards, is releasing NBA Collect by Topps® (https://play.toppsapps.com/
– New Platforms to Feature Nonstop Basketball Content, Including Live NBA Games, Original Live Shows including The Association, Behind-the-Scenes Programming and Global Basketball Events –
NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a new multi-platform streaming offering and the reimagined NBA TV, which will offer nonstop basketball content and original programming starting Wednesday, Oct. 15. Accessible through the NBA App, the streaming platform and NBA TV will deliver a robust mix of live games, programming, highlights and original content, together serving as the home of global basketball.
The Association, a new weeknight primetime “basketball-cast” featuring MJ Acosta-Ruiz, David Fizdale, Rudy Gay, Chris Haynes and John Wall, among other contributors, will launch as the flagship program on the reimagined NBA TV and on the NBA App. The Association will celebrate the game, players and the culture of the NBA; inform and entertain viewers with league news, analysis and storylines; and guide fans to the must-watch action across the league in real time.
“NBA TV and the NBA App are designed to be a connected, global hub for basketball coverage, delivering nonstop access to live games, original programming and exclusive behind-the-scenes content,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Head of NBA App, Sara Zuckert. “The NBA App streaming platform will provide a seamless, always-on digital experience for fans to access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
A full slate of basketball programming will be available on the NBA App and NBA TV, including:
Live games and competitions, providing fans more live basketball action than ever before, including from the NBA and WNBA, as well as the NBA G League, Basketball Africa League (BAL), top international leagues and premier high school competitions featuring the next generation of stars:
- NBA TV will air 60 NBA games during the regular season, beginning Oct. 25 when the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder visits the Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. ET).
- The NBA, in collaboration with Sportradar, will deliver hundreds of live and on-demand games, competitions and highlights, featuring top prospects in international leagues around the world, including Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), France’s Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB), Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Spain’s Liga ACB, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and Korean Basketball League (KBL).
- Future Starts Now will showcase top U.S. high school basketball tournaments and prospects, giving fans a glimpse at future NBA talent.
Live programming and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, featuring analysis and news from top voices across the basketball ecosystem and all-access content bringing fans closer to their favorite teams and players, including:
- A selection of top NBA podcasts and live programs from across the basketball community for fans to enjoy in one destination, including Thinking Basketball, No Ceilings, The NBA Front Office Show and The Athletic’s NBA Daily.
- Creator-driven and community-powered content, featuring diverse voices such as Bree Green, Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, Jesser, Jenna Bandy and Tristan Jass.
- Real Training Camp will deliver exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to how NBA teams are gearing up for the season, including the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
- Loud City: The OKC Thunder's Championship Season, narrated by Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams, will chronicle the team’s extraordinary journey to a dramatic seven-game NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers.
- Coaches Corner will feature one-on-one conversations between former NBA player and ESPN analyst Tim Legler and NBA head coaches from around the league.
Additional NBA TV highlights for the 2025-26 season include three tripleheaders, starting Dec. 20 when the Houston Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets (5 p.m. ET), followed by the Charlotte Hornets at the Pistons (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Lakers visiting the LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET). NBA TV will also carry a full day of games on New Year’s Eve, starting at 1 p.m. ET when the Warriors visit the Hornets followed by the Phoenix Suns facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBA TV’s New Year’s Eve slate will conclude with the Thunder hosting the Portland Trail Blazers at 8 p.m. ET.
Live NBA and WNBA games on NBA TV can be accessed on the NBA App streaming platform with an NBA TV subscription. Additionally, fans will be able to watch games from the NBA G League and BAL.
The full NBA TV game schedule for the 2025-26 NBA regular season is available here.
