What Is the Number of Players on a Basketball Team?

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A typical basketball team roster includes 12 players. However, the actual roster size is often at the discretion of the coaching staff and may be significantly smaller or larger, depending on the level of play and rules set forth by the governing body of the league.

At the pro level, the National Basketball Association allows teams to carry no more than 15 players on their roster at a given time. In college, the NCAA does not enforce roster size at the Division I level, though there is a limit of 13 scholarship players per school at once, with no limit on the number of walk-ons.