Jason Collins, an NBA player with a $14 million net worth, made history as the first openly gay active player in major American sports before retiring in 2014. Diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma in 2025, his legacy extends beyond basketball into LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health awareness.
Jason Collins is a former American professional basketball player whose net worth stands at $14 million. Over his 13-season NBA journey, he competed for six different teams, featured in two NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets, and earned a reputation as a steadfast team player who enhanced locker room dynamics and team culture. His professional life took a groundbreaking turn in 2013 when he publicly disclosed his sexuality in a Sports Illustrated open letter, becoming the first active gay player in any of the four major U.S. sports leagues. The announcement was hailed as a pivotal milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in professional athletics. Collins continued his career for one additional season after coming out, joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 before retiring the same year. In 2025, he shared that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which prompted an overwhelming wave of encouragement from the basketball community and underscored the lasting influence he has had both competitively and personally. Jason Paul Collins was born on December 2, 1978, in Los Angeles, California. He and his identical twin brother, Jarron, spent their childhood immersed in athletics and demonstrated remarkable height and physical prowess from a young age. The siblings attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where they led the basketball team to multiple state titles. Jason’s prowess as a defensive post player and rebounder drew national attention from recruiters. Both twins continued their education at Stanford University, with Jason focusing on communications while becoming a crucial member of Stanford’s successful basketball program. His senior year performance, combined with his defensive skill set, positioned him as a promising professional prospect. At Stanford, Collins distinguished himself as one of the top defensive big men in the Pac-10 conference. He competed for four seasons, earned All-Pac-10 honors, and guided the Cardinal to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run. His blend of height, strength, court awareness, and basketball intelligence made him an attractive option for NBA franchises seeking a traditional center capable of anchoring defenses and setting hard screens. Jason and his twin brother Jarron both entered the 2001 NBA Draft, making Stanford one of the few colleges to produce two NBA-bound twins in the same draft class. Over the next ten years, he played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. Coaches consistently valued his vocal leadership on defense and his professional demeanor in team settings. While he never ranked among the league’s top scorers, Collins crafted a lengthy career marked by dependability, consistency, and a selfless approach to the game. He concluded his NBA tenure in November 2014 after 13 seasons. In 2013, Collins entered sports history when he announced his sexuality as an active player through a Sports Illustrated editorial. The piece was celebrated for its honesty and bravery, instantly elevating him to one of the most prominent openly gay athletes globally. The following year, he signed a short-term 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets under head coach Jason Kidd, a former teammate. On February 23, 2014, he made history by becoming the first openly gay athlete to take the court in an NBA game. Collins stayed with the Nets for the remainder of that season. His public revelation helped reshape discussions about LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports, inspiring greater advocacy, visibility efforts, and educational programs throughout the NBA and beyond. After retiring, Collins took on the role of NBA Ambassador, continued advocating for equality, and participated in civic and charitable initiatives that further broadened his impact. During his 13-year NBA career, Jason Collins accumulated over $34 million in league earnings. Drafted as a mid-first-round pick in 2001, he signed a rookie contract under the league’s standard scale before later agreeing to multi-year contracts with the New Jersey Nets that reflected his importance as a defensive anchor and veteran presence. As a rotational center, his contracts were typically mid-level or role-player agreements rather than high-value star deals, but his long tenure allowed him to build substantial career earnings. His final NBA contract was the brief 10-day agreement with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, followed by an extension for the rest of the season that marked the end of his playing days. In September 2025, the NBA revealed that Collins had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Three months later, he personally shared the full details of his condition, confirming it was Stage 4 glioblastoma. In a statement to ESPN, Collins outlined the sudden onset of symptoms, the severity of the diagnosis, and his aggressive treatment plan, which included radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental immunotherapy. He also noted that his tumor was inoperable and that he opted for innovative therapies in hopes of advancing medical care for future patients. His transparency once again drew widespread support from players, coaches, fans, and LGBTQ+ activists worldwide. Jason Collins is married to Brunson Green, a film producer with whom he has shared many years of companionship and involvement in advocacy, community service, and public events centered on equality and representation. His identical twin brother, Jarron Collins, also pursued an NBA career and later transitioned into coaching, maintaining the family’s deep connection to basketball at all levels. Jason and Brunson have maintained privacy regarding their personal life amid his medical journey, but their relationship has been widely acknowledged as a pillar of strength during his health challenges. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved