A Hall of Fame Celebration
The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class assembles a remarkable mix of players, coaches and pioneers whose careers have left an indelible mark on the sport. From dominant forces in the WNBA to masterminds of NBA strategy, the inductees embody the breadth of basketball excellence.
Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw headline the women’s enshrinement. Parker, a three‑time WNBA champion and two‑time MVP, joins Delle Donne, a two‑time MVP celebrated for her scoring and versatility, and Holdsclaw, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft whose impact reshaped the league’s early years.
Among the coaches, Doc Rivers stands out for guiding the Boston Celtics to a 2008 championship and accumulating more than 1,000 career wins across multiple franchises. Mark Few, the architect of Gonzaga’s 25‑year streak of NCAA Tournament appearances, and Mike D’Antoni, a two‑time NBA Coach of the Year, round out a coaching contingent that has shaped modern basketball philosophy.
Longtime NBA referee Joey Crawford enters the Hall after 39 seasons of service, his presence on the court synonymous with consistency and authority during a transformative era of the game.
The 1996 U.S. Women’s National Team, celebrated for its gold‑medal performance at the Atlanta Olympics, is honored as a collective force that inspired a generation of players and elevated women’s basketball on the global stage.
Amar’e Stoudemire, celebrated for a 14‑year NBA career marked by multiple All‑Star selections, completes a class that reflects both individual brilliance and team triumphs across decades of competition.