A basketball team has five players on the court at a time during a game
. These five players per team are the active players who compete on the court. However, the total number of players on a basketball team roster, including substitutes, varies by league:
- In the NBA, teams have up to 15 players on the roster, but only 13 can be active for a game. The roster often includes 16 to 19 players due to two-way contracts and short-term signings
- In college basketball (NCAA), teams typically have around 15 players on the roster with unlimited substitutions during stoppages
- In FIBA international play, teams can have up to 12 players, all of whom can be active during tournaments
- High school teams usually have 12 to 15 players on the roster
So, while only 5 players per team are on the court at any time, the full team including substitutes usually ranges from about 12 to 15 players depending on the level of play and league rules
