Brazil faces the United States, this Tuesday (26), at 10:10 pm (Brasília), for the Copa America Basketball. NBA American Stars, such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry, are not in the competition and the Sporting News Show the reason.
MORE: Copa America Basketball 2025: Largest Champions and List of Americup titles
Why aren’t the NBA stars playing?
A pArticification of NBA athletes in the Basketball Cup is unusualeven without any rule that prevents it. In practice, a number of factors makes the leading names in the US League from both the United States and other countries rarely compete for continental competition, which mostly happen without the big stars of world basketball.
O Biggest obstacle is on the calendar. The Copa America is usually held between late August and early September, precisely during the period when NBA players prioritize rest and individual preparation for the long season that begins in October.
Another weight point is the resistance of the franchises themselves, who prefer to preserve their athletes from a tournament at the risk of injuries that may compromise high investments made in contracts and careers.
In addition, the Copa America does not have the same prestige of events such as Olympics your a Basketball World Cupconsidered priority in the international scenario. Therefore, selections such as the United States are usually formed by G League players (Development League) and athletes operating in European leagues.
Today there is Brazil and the United States at the end of the Americup group stage! 🇧🇷⚔️
In history, the Brazilian adult men’s team has won 10 games against the US, two of the last four clashes.
The ball rises at 10:10 pm Brasilia time, with ESPN transmission. pic.twitter.com/WP4V39Z7m1
– Basketball Brazil – CBB (@basquetebrasil) August 26, 2025
United States calls for Americup2025
The American squads for the competition of the competition are not among the best known names of the sport. They are players with some NBA, G League experience and international alloys.
Check out the players below:
- Keita Bates-Diop
- Norris Cole
- Robert Covington
- Jalen Crutcher
- John Jenkins
- Miller cup
- Nassir Little
- Ruben Nembhard Jr.
- Reggie Perry
- Jahmi’us Ramsey
- Javonte Smart
- Malik Williams
