The Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a distinguished group of athletes and builders in August 2026, as the organization announces the Class of 2026. The ceremony is set for August 30 at Nationals Park, where the induction will take place before the Washington Nationals open their game against the Miami Marlins.
Among the honorees, Tommy Amaker stands out as a figure whose influence stretches from the hardwood of his high school days to the sidelines of college basketball. A graduate of W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, Amaker earned Parade and McDonald’s All‑American honors in 1983 before embarking on a collegiate career at Duke University, where he was a four‑year starter, helped the Blue Devils capture ACC titles, and earned the Wooden Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior.
The 2026 Induction Class
The class also celebrates WNBA star Elena Delle Donne, a two‑time MVP and champion, alongside London Fletcher, a four‑time NFL Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XXXIV champion, and Elana Meyers Taylor, an Olympic gold‑medalist in softball. Additionally, legendary Maryland high school football coach Al Thomas will be recognized for his lasting impact on the sport.
The University of Maryland’s 2001‑02 NCAA men’s basketball championship team will receive special acknowledgment as the Team of Distinction, highlighting the breadth of talent that the Hall seeks to honor.
Selection of the inductees has been overseen by a committee that includes figures such as Bobby Goldwater, Mark D. Lerner, and other longtime supporters of D.C. sports. Their efforts, backed by the Washington Nationals and the Lerner family, underscore a commitment to preserving the region’s athletic heritage.
The ceremony itself promises a blend of nostalgia and celebration, with the inductees taking the stage at Nationals Park before the Nationals face the Marlins. The event will be attended by fans, media, and members of the sports community, all eager to mark the occasion.