Nowadays, the NBA is played and followed by people from all over the globe, not just in America.
Right from Michael Jordan’s era in the 1990s to people around the globe following the NBA on the internet, the league has grown into a worldwide success. Nowadays, NBA stars come from all over Europe, Africa, Asia, and many other places, meaning basketball breaks through barriers of location and culture.
The Jordan Era
Globalisation started to grow in the early 1990s, when Michael Jordan’s fame expanded past the game of basketball. Many people who did not know about the NBA saw it for the first time in 1992 when the Dream Team played in the Olympics and when the Chicago Bulls flourished. That team was not only successful, but it was also considered a legend. On average, they defeated other teams by 44 points and especially helped many international players aim high for the NBA.
For instance, Germany, Argentina, and China spent money on programs to develop their youth. While the Dream Team played to win, they were mostly setting a new standard for basketball all over the world.
From Dream to Draft
These days, the NBA sees a huge number of players who are from outside the United States. For the past five seasons (2019 to 2023), non-Americans such as Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece/Nigeria), Nikola Jokić (Serbia), and Joel Embiid (Cameroon) were awarded the MVP title. Everyone had a different journey to the NBA, showing that athletes with high skills are in short supply.
Over 120 overseas players from 40 countries were part of the teams’ rosters for this season’s NBA opening games. It’s one in four, and this number is getting higher with every season.
2025 Playoffs
The playoffs held last year showed that the league is growing globally. Jokić is masterfully controlling how Denver destroys opponents with his offensive game. With his performance this season, French player Victor Wembanyama is compared to the greatest players in the league, even though he hasn’t reached his prime. Highlight videos and the statistics of the competition feature players such as Luka Dončić (Slovenia) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada).
Not only do these stars play for their teams, but they also represent the places where they come from. When Luka scores with the buzzer, everyone in Slovenia is celebrating along with Dallas.
Digital Culture and Global Influence
The increase in the game’s popularity is not limited to who is joining it. The details of fan consumption are also part of it. Digital creator Kai Cenat was unexpectedly the star of the 2025 NBA Finals. Everyone noticed his courtside appearances on social media, proving that using influencers can help the NBA reach Gen Z around the world.
According to the newspaper, internet creators are bringing any gameplay style and lingo into reach and popularity around the globe. Access to livestreams, catchy clips, and NBA League Pass in dozens of languages makes it easy for people worldwide to become big fans.
NBA’s Strategic Playbook for the World
NBA officials have focused on audience growth around the world. Holding preseason games in Abu Dhabi and Mexico while creating Basketball Without Borders programs for youngsters, as well as expanding the league’s Academy in India, Senegal, and Australia, the NBA is establishing a solid future.
NBA’s popularity in India has more than doubled within the past five years. Even though Canada doesn’t yet have its own NBA star, there is lots of excitement in the country. Many children are getting their first chance through participation in grassroots activities, local matches, and internships at schools, which may lead to the next Yao Ming or Rui Hachimura.
Why the NBA's Globalisation Works?
The NBA manages to reach many fans across the world for reasons other than just marketing or using the Internet. It all comes down to making stories through writing. This story of how Giannis, a street vendor, won two MVP trophies can mean a lot to anyone. Unlike usual American athletes, Jokić’s modest nature and racing interest give him a different story than most sports celebs. Embiid’s experience of moving from Cameroon to Kansas to Philadelphia involves much joy and will power.
The Future Is Borderless
In the end, the idea of a borderless future is gaining importance. From the NBA’s point of view, we can expect the next set of stars to continue to show the world’s range of cultures. Today, the league has become global in its outlook instead of defining itself by just America. In spots as far apart as Lagos and Lithuania, people have the chance to follow their dreams to the NBA.
There’s no doubt that the NBA exists on a global scale.
So the next question is: who will be the next leader?
Also Read: How Positionless Basketball Is Changing the NBA Game
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
