Elena Delle Donne, a seven‑time All‑Star and five‑time All‑WNBA selection, will be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, cementing her status among the game’s all‑time greats.
A Hall of Fame Journey
Her career is marked by historic milestones, including being the first player in WNBA history to capture MVP honors with two different franchises — the Chicago Sky in 2015 and the Washington Mystics in 2019.
Delle Donne also holds the league’s career free‑throw percentage record at 93.7%, a testament to her precision under pressure, and she was the inaugural member of the 50‑40‑90 club, surpassing the 50% field‑goal, 40% three‑point, and 90% free‑throw thresholds in a single season.
Her early years were shaped by a unique training regimen that included shooting over a ladder and practicing wall slides, techniques that forged a mechanically sound shot and contributed to her versatility on the court.
Beyond basketball, Delle Donne’s advocacy for individuals with disabilities has been a defining facet of her platform. Named a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics in 2014, she has leveraged her voice to promote inclusion, a cause inspired by her sister Lizzie, who lives with deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy and autism.
The Mystics’ 2019 championship run added a crowning achievement to her résumé; despite battling a herniated disc, she led Washington to its first title, showcasing resilience that resonates far beyond the hardwood.
Her collegiate path began at the University of Delaware, close to her hometown, after departing from UConn to support Lizzie’s needs. Representing the United States, she helped the national team secure gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, further elevating the sport’s profile.
As she prepares for her Hall of Fame induction, Delle Donne’s legacy endures not only in statistics but in the lives she continues to touch through advocacy, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.