NBA 2025-26 Season Features Record 135 International Players Including 14 Australians

The 2025-26 NBA season begins with defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Houston Rockets, alongside a notable California derby between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. The season format includes 30 teams split into Eastern and Western Conferences, each playing 82 games before a play-in tournament and playoffs determine the eventual NBA champion. This season features a record 135 international players from 43 countries, with significant representation from Europe, Canada, Australia, and Africa, highlighting the global reach of the league. Australia has 14 players under contract, marking a transition as veterans Patty Mills and Ben Simmons are absent, while younger stars like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key players, both signing major contract extensions. Giddey and Daniels are seen as pivotal for their teams, with Giddey aiming for his first All-Star appearance and Daniels recognized as one of the league's best defenders. Other Australian talents such as Johnny Furphy and Rocco Zikarsky are also gaining attention, pointing to a promising future for Australian basketball in the NBA.