Race and ethnicity in the NBA
The composition of race and ethnicity in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has changed throughout the league's history. The first non-white player to play in the league was an Asian American, Wat Misaka, in 1947. African Americans entered the league beginning in 1950. According to racial equality activist Richard Lapchick, the NBA in 2021 was composed of 73.2 percent black players, 16.8 percent white players, 3.1 percent Latino players of any race, and 0.4 percent Asian players. Additionally, 6.6 percent of the players were classified as either multiracial or "other" races. The league has the highest percentage of black players of any major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
Asian American point guard Wat Misaka broke basketball's color barrier as the first non-white player to play in the NBA in 1947.
Earl Lloyd (right) was the first African American to play in the NBA in 1950.
Robert Johnson became the first black majority NBA team owner in 2004.
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams. It is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional basketball league in the world.
Bill Russell defending against Wilt Chamberlain in 1966.
Michael Jordan became the league's most popular player during the 1990s, while leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships.
Tim Duncan led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championships between 1999 and 2014.
Kobe Bryant defending LeBron James in a February 2016 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers