Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

• Opening-Night Rosters Feature More Than 55 Players Who Were Either Born in Africa or Have at Least One Parent from Africa
• Fifth Consecutive Season with at Least 120 International Players and 12^th 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

The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) 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 more than 55 players who were either born in Africa or have at least one parent from Africa, including 2021 NBA champion and two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks; Greece; ties to Nigeria), 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 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).

Opening-night rosters feature at least 120 international players for the fifth consecutive season and at least 100 international players for the 12^th 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.

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 12^th 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.

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), 2023-24 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and 2025 NBA All-Star Nikola 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, five-time NBA All-Star and Kia All-NBA First Team member Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers; Slovenia), 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 (https://apo-opa.co/3JkORcR), 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 80^th NBA regular season tips off tonight with a doubleheader on NBA League Pass as the defending NBA champion Thunder hosts the Rockets (1:30 a.m. CAT) and the Warriors visit the Lakers (4 a.m. CAT).  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, including ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, ZAP TV and NTV in sub-Saharan Africa, 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):

* – Two-Way Player

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications and news distribution consultancy, is honoured to confirm that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been invited to participate in the inaugural Global Perspectives: Africa’s Role in a Changing World summit — an invitation-only gathering of global leaders and influencers hosted by CNN International on 3 November 2025 in London, UK.

Launched in July 2025, Global Perspectives is CNN’s new events franchise designed to bring its journalism and editorial insight to live audiences. The first edition, focused on Africa, aims to convene world leaders, innovators and decision-makers to explore how the continent’s economy, demographics, resources and strategic role are reshaping global dynamics.

Confirmed speakers for the summit include Tony Elumelu, Chairperson of United Bank for Africa; Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO of MTN Group; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chairman of Standard Bank Group; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World; and Mark Suzman, CEO and Board Member of the Gates Foundation, alongside other leaders spanning government, finance, business, and technology sectors.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Sir Mark Thompson, CNN’s Chairman & CEO, and the panels will be moderated by leading CNN journalists including Christiane Amanpour, Richard Quest, Zain Asher, Jim Sciutto, Eleni Giokos, and Larry Madowo.

Attendance is by invitation only. Global Perspectives will act as a platform for news-making interviews, high-level discussions, and off-the-record exchanges, while also enabling relationships and strategic partnerships among attendees.

Named among the Top 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves in multiple senior advisory capacities across key sectors. He is a Senior Advisory Board Member at the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business; Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society (United Kingdom) and to the European Union – Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC); and Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa. He is also an Advisory Board Member at the Africa Energy Chamber (AEC), the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG), the World Football Summit (WFS), and the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa. Additionally, he serves as a Member of the Africa Tech Festival / AfricaCom Leadership Council, a Member of the Pan-Africa Ubuntu Circle of The ONE Campaign, and an International Committee Member at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

More information about Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard: https://apo-opa.co/3JbIh8A

“I am delighted to have been invited by CNN to participate in Global Perspectives: Africa’s Role in a Changing World,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “It is a privilege to contribute to such an essential discussion about Africa’s growing global influence and to exchange ideas with some of the most respected voices shaping the future.”

Nicolas’s participation in Global Perspectives underscores his continued commitment to elevating Africa’s voice in the global discourse and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.

For more on the Global Perspectives event series, visit https://apo-opa.co/4o5RHBE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Emirates, Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

Source: APO

Each year thousands of people travel to Johannesburg for one reason alone, to shop at the Diamond Walk at Sandton City (http://SandtonCity.com). This stretch of pure indulgence has become the ultimate destination for luxury on the African continent, drawing both international visitors and local fashion devotees, who know they do not need to leave Africa to shop the world’s most prestigious brands.

The global names behind the glamour

The Diamond Walk is home to a remarkable bouquet of fashion, jewellery, and accessory brands that are usually associated with London, Paris, or Dubai. But here, shoppers step into boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Bvlgari, Versace, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo, Tods, Balmain, Amiri, Zegna, and Ferragamo, all in one address. This mix makes Sandton City the only place on the continent where so many of these icons sit side by side.

Sandton City is Africa’s most iconic shopping centre, home to more than 377 retailers across fashion, dining, and lifestyle. Located in the heart of Johannesburg’s financial district, the centre has defined the Sandton skyline and established itself as a landmark of innovation and style. With an eco-conscious food district, a family-oriented fun district, and the chandelier-lined Diamond Walk, Sandton City offers a breadth of experiences that continue to attract millions of visitors each year.

A luxurious experience

The appeal goes well beyond access to the world’s biggest names. Many of the stores in the Diamond Walk offer special services such as in-store style consultations, bespoke tailoring, and personalisation, allowing every purchase to feel unique. From luxury watches at Patek Philippe and Breitling to South Africa’s own MaXhosa, to Mont Blanc, Coach and IWC; with Kate Spade and Rolex set to open soon, the selection extends across every facet of a luxury lifestyle.

The Diamond Walk is a destination in its own right. Its chandelier-lit walkway is a place where heritage and craftsmanship meet cutting-edge design, where locals and tourists alike immerse themselves in Johannesburg’s most exclusive shopping setting. Open seven days a week, it invites visitors to discover a world of luxury in the heart of Johannesburg.

With an unmatched mix of retail with over stores, entertainment and world-class lifestyle attractions, Sandton City continues to set the pace as Africa’s most iconic centre. For regular updates, go to www.SandtonCity.com or follow Sandton City on social media @ sandtoncitymall.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sandton City.

About Sandton City:
Sandton City Shopping Centre is renowned amongst both local and international visitors as one of Africa’s leading retail destinations. With an impressive retail, office and leisure space ranking as South Africa’s top performing retail destination in terms of trading density, Sandton City has an effective tenant leasing strategy and a low vacancy level. The shopping centre is home to over 300 of the most exciting local and international brands and presents you with a world of luxury in the exclusive Diamond Walk.

Sandton City is a green-star rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is the first super-regional shopping centre on the African continent to achieve such a prestigious rating, representing world leadership in environmentally sustainable operational efficiencies.

Adjacent to world-class hotels and mega corporate headquarters, winning multiple Best Shopping Mall awards each year, Sandton City continues to be a leader in mixed-use properties.

Sandton City is co-owned by Liberty (which is wholly owned by the Standard Bank Group) and Pareto Limited.  L2D performs the asset management function and the property management services are done by Excellerate JHI Retail. 

For more information, please visit either www.SandtonCity.com, www.Liberty2Degrees.co.za, www.Pareto.co.za or www.JHI.co.za.