The NCAA clarified that players who sign NBA contracts after playing professionally abroad or in the G League are ineligible for college basketball, prompting reactions from coaches and ongoing discussions about eligibility rules amid legal challenges and changing recruitment practices.
LIV Golf announced the international field for the 2026 LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond Ranch, featuring nearly 90 players from 24 countries, including top amateurs, tour winners, and former LIV competitors, competing for spots in the 2026 league and international series.
The NBA announced a revamped All-Star Game format featuring three teams (U.S. vs. World), no positional restrictions, and a new selection process to boost engagement, with the event scheduled for February 13 in Los Angeles.
Khaman Maluach, a promising South Sudanese NBA draft prospect, faces unique visa challenges due to recent US visa revocations for South Sudanese citizens, which could complicate his travel for road trips if drafted by certain teams like the Toronto Raptors. Despite these hurdles, his talent and character make him a notable player to watch in the upcoming draft.
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's 13th franchise, have formed their inaugural roster through an expansion draft, selecting players like Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton. The Valkyries, led by head coach Natalie Nakase, aim to build a competitive culture with a mix of veterans and young talent, including international players. While the Valkyries are seen as winners, teams like the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever lost key players, impacting their rosters. The Valkyries are well-positioned for free agency, aiming to attract top talent.
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's 13th franchise, selected 11 players, including seven international players, in the expansion draft as they prepare for their inaugural season starting May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks. The team, aiming for versatility and depth, includes four players with WNBA championship experience. The Valkyries will continue to build their roster through free agency and the WNBA draft, where they hold the 5th, 17th, and 29th picks. The WNBA plans further expansion with teams in Portland and Toronto by 2026, and potentially 16 teams by 2028.
The 2024 NBA Draft features several top international prospects, including French players Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, who are projected as the No. 1 and No. 2 picks. Other notable international players include Tidjane Salaun, Nikola Topic, Bobi Klintman, Pacome Dadiet, Juan Nunez, and Nikola Djurisic. These players have diverse backgrounds and unique skill sets, making them intriguing additions to the NBA. The draft will take place on June 26-27 in New York City.
The 2024 NBA Mock Draft projects Alex Sarr as the No. 1 pick to the Atlanta Hawks, with Zaccharie Risacher also in contention. The draft lottery results have created uncertainty, but post-combine performances have influenced player rankings, particularly among international prospects.
The 2023-24 NBA season showcased both winners and losers, with rookie Victor Wembanyama emerging as a standout player for the San Antonio Spurs, while teams that missed out on drafting him are left regretting their decisions. The Boston Celtics and Western Conference emerged as winners, while the Eastern Conference and the MVP discussion faced challenges. The season also highlighted the rise of international talent in the league.
Duke commit Cooper Flagg led Team USA to a 98-75 victory over Team World at the Nike Hoop Summit, showcasing the talents of top U.S. and international players. Flagg's 19 points and 11 rebounds were instrumental in the win, while Team World's AJ Dybantsa and Nolan Traore impressed with their performances. The event highlighted the growing global talent in basketball and the increasing presence of international players in the NBA.
The Paris Olympics 2024 basketball tournament is expected to be the most competitive ever, with top NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry set to play for Team USA, and international players like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama also featuring. Eight teams have qualified, and four spots will be determined by qualifying tournaments in July. The tournament could be dominated by big men, with strong competition expected from teams like Serbia, France, Germany, and Canada, making it a highly anticipated event in the basketball world.
The 2024 NBA Draft is anticipated to be weaker compared to previous years, with overseas players rising to the top. Zaccharie Risacher from France is projected as the No. 1 pick, followed by Alex Sarr from Australia and Nikola Topić from Serbia. Other notable prospects include Cody Williams, Stephon Castle, and Ron Holland. The draft is expected to be influenced by team needs and preferences, with a focus on identifying potential stars in a seemingly lackluster class.
The top five spots in the 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder are currently occupied by international players, with Joel Embiid leading the pack after scoring 51 points in a game against the Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic round out the top five. Embiid's impressive performance includes a streak of 12 consecutive games with 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds.
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama is set to become the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, making him the first international player to go No. 1 without playing basketball at a U.S. college since Andrea Bargnani in 2006. Wembanyama is already one of the most viewed players on NBA social media, and his arrival is expected to have a significant impact on the league's business side. He has signed a shoe and athletic apparel deal with Nike and is expected to have access to deals with international brands that are usually not available to U.S.-born athletes.
The ongoing Writers Guild of America strike poses unique challenges for deals at the Cannes Market, with most production start dates pushing to fall. However, projects that have already been "pre-baked" with producers, financiers, and sales companies are safe to proceed. The conditions also present an opportunity for international players, as bigger studios and distributors may pull back, providing more chances for territorial distributors overseas and talent who "aren't always available or as likely to come to the independent, international side of the business."