Former NBA player Jason Collins died on May 12, 2026, at age 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma. Best known for becoming the first openly gay active player in a major North American professional sports league, Jason made history both on and off the court during his 13-year basketball career.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family said in a statement released through the NBA. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Learn more about his life, including his career and health, below.
Jason made a name for himself at Stanford University, helping turn the Cardinal into one of the top teams in college basketball. After being selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, he spent 13 seasons in the league playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards.
After news of his death broke, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Jason’s “impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares ambassador.”
He added, “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”
In 2013, Jason made history when he publicly came out as gay while still an active NBA player, becoming the first openly gay athlete in a major North American men’s professional sports league. He revealed the news in a Sports Illustrated cover story that opened with the words, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” At the time, he was a free agent and later signed with the Brooklyn Nets for the remainder of the season.
