Arkansas has 11 players on NBA opening-day rosters for the third straight season, ranking second among SEC programs. Razorbacks coach John Calipari leads all active coaches with 27 former players in the league, including 23 from Kentucky and four from Arkansas.

By the Numbers
  • 11 Arkansas players are on NBA opening-day rosters for the third consecutive season.
  • Calipari has 27 players in the NBA, compared with 12 for the next-closest active coach, Gonzaga’s Mark Few.
  • Calipari’s players are set to earn $637 million in salaries this season; seven are projected to make more than $40 million.
  • Arkansas ranks second among SEC schools, behind Kentucky’s 26 NBA players.
Yes, But

Arkansas’ 11-player total is impressive, but Calipari’s broader count reflects players developed at both Kentucky and Arkansas—not just his current program.

State of Play
  • Arkansas is among 10 programs with at least 10 players on opening-day rosters.
  • The NBA season opens Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
  • Arkansas is scheduled to play exhibition games against Gonzaga on Oct. 24 and Memphis on Oct. 28, both at Bud Walton Arena.
What's Next

Calipari and Hall of Fame coach Mark Few will meet when Arkansas hosts Gonzaga on Oct. 24. The Razorbacks then face Memphis four days later.

Bottom Line

Arkansas’ NBA presence is holding steady at 11 players, while Calipari’s combined coaching legacy leads the college ranks by a wide margin.