The 2026 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed a diverse group of inductees, including WNBA star Elena Delle Donne and veteran star Candace Parker, alongside longtime officials and coaches whose contributions spanned decades.
Delle Donne, a two‑time MVP who led the Washington Mystics to a championship and became the first player to achieve a 50‑40‑90 shooting season, used her acceptance speech to honor her sister Lizzie, who lives with both blindness and deafness, and to reference a quip from actor Larry David that captured her perspective on the game.
A tribute to coaching roots
Chamique Holdsclaw, reflecting on her undefeated 39‑0 college season and the mentorship of Pat Summitt, expressed gratitude for the coach who shaped her early career, while also acknowledging the historic 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s team that helped cement America’s eight‑straight gold‑medal streak.
Mark Few, who has guided Gonzaga University’s program since 1999, shared his surprise at being inducted, noting the growth of his hometown and the program’s rise from a small college to a national powerhouse.
Veteran NBA official Joey Crawford, who logged over 2,500 games and officiated 50 Finals, described his teenage dream of stepping onto the league’s biggest stage, a dream realized through decades of perseverance.
Mike D’Antoni, known for pioneering a fast‑paced style in Italy before returning to the NBA and working with stars such as Amar’e Stoudemire, thanked his wife for a supportive gift that included a Phoenix Mercury championship ring, underscoring the personal sacrifices behind professional triumphs.
The ceremony also highlighted the broader impact of these figures on the sport’s global reach, from the U.S. Olympic Committee’s century‑long dominance to the international pathways that have broadened talent pipelines.