LIVENBA: Lakers 98 - Celtics 102 (4th 8:42)|NHL: Rangers 3 - Bruins 2 (2nd)|NBA: Warriors 87 - Nuggets 91 (3rd)|EPL: Man City 1 - Arsenal 1 (65')|NFL: Chiefs 24 - Eagles 21 (Final)|NBA: Bucks 112 - 76ers 108 (Final)
LIVENBA: Lakers 98 - Celtics 102 (4th 8:42)|NHL: Rangers 3 - Bruins 2 (2nd)|NBA: Warriors 87 - Nuggets 91 (3rd)|EPL: Man City 1 - Arsenal 1 (65')|NFL: Chiefs 24 - Eagles 21 (Final)|NBA: Bucks 112 - 76ers 108 (Final)
Global

The Globalization of American Sports: How International Players Are Reshaping Leagues

Maria Santos|January 26, 2026|7 min read

American professional sports leagues have become increasingly global, with international players making up significant portions of rosters and winning the highest individual awards.

NBA Goes Global

The NBA has seen international MVPs become the norm rather than the exception. Players from Europe, Africa, and Asia are not just contributors but franchise cornerstones.

MLB's International Pipeline

Latin American and Asian players have long been crucial to MLB, and their influence continues to grow. Shohei Ohtani from Japan became the biggest star in the sport, while Latin American talent flows in at every position.

The NHL's International Fabric

Hockey has always been international, with stars from Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and beyond. The diversity of talent keeps the sport global in ways other leagues aspire to match.

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Maria Santos

Sport News Plus contributor covering sports culture, trends, and analysis.