The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, where eight distinguished individuals and a championship team were welcomed into its hallowed halls.
A night of gratitude and legacy
Former WNBA standouts Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw took the stage to reflect on their journeys, emphasizing the support they received from mentors, teammates and family, and highlighting the growing cultural footprint of women’s basketball. Holdsclaw recalled the encouragement of Metta Sandiford‑Artest, a fellow New Yorker who helped shape her early development.
The induction also honored the 1996 U.S. women’s Olympic gold‑medal squad, a roster that featured Teresa Edwards, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Rebecca Lobo and coach Tara VanDerveer, who together exemplified the sport’s early breakthroughs. Delle Donne, known for her sharp shooting, gave a shout‑out to comedian Larry David, underscoring the broad reach of the moment.
Amar’e Stoudemire, who rose from humble beginnings, thanked God for the opportunity to chase his basketball dreams, while veteran coach Mike D’Antoni spoke of the trust placed in him by family, friends and executives who believed in his vision. Doc Rivers, another inductee, stressed that coaching succeeds when love and discipline are balanced. Mark Few was recognized for his strategic acumen and lasting impact on college basketball, and longtime referee Joey Crawford was lauded for his decades of officiating excellence.
The ceremony’s personal touches included a symbolic pass of the ball by Candace Parker, a nod to her brother Anthony Parker and legends such as Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade, while Holdsclaw’s memories of support from Metta Sandiford‑Artest added depth to the night’s narrative.
Together, the inductees wove a narrative of perseverance, community and the transformative power of the game, underscoring how the Hall of Fame continues to shape the future of basketball worldwide.