Jason Collins, an NBA player with a $14 million net worth, passed away in May 2026. His career and legacy include historic moments in sports and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Jason Collins was a professional basketball player from the United States whose net worth reached $14 million by the time he passed away in May 2026. Over his 13-year NBA career, Jason Collins represented six different teams, competed in two NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets, and earned recognition as a dependable team leader who enhanced locker room culture. In 2013, he made headlines worldwide when he revealed his sexual orientation in an open letter featured in Sports Illustrated, becoming the first openly gay active player in any of the four major American sports leagues. His disclosure was seen as a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in professional athletics. Collins continued playing one more season after his announcement, joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 before retiring later that year. In 2025, he shared publicly that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, sparking an overwhelming wave of support from the basketball community and highlighting the lasting impact he had made both on and off the court. Sadly, Jason Collins died on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47. Jason Paul Collins was born on December 2, 1978, in Los Angeles, California. He and his identical twin brother, Jarron, grew up deeply involved in sports and demonstrated remarkable physical size and athletic talent from childhood. The twins attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where they excelled on the basketball court and helped guide their team to multiple state championships. Jason’s prowess as a defensive post player and rebounder caught the attention of recruiters nationwide. Both brothers later enrolled at Stanford University, with Jason majoring in communications and becoming a vital part of the Cardinal’s highly competitive teams. His standout senior season, along with his defensive reputation, positioned him as a promising professional prospect. At Stanford, Collins established himself as one of the top defensive big men in the Pac-10. He spent four seasons there, received All-Pac-10 honors, and led the Cardinal to several NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight. His combination of height, strength, court awareness, and basketball intelligence made him an attractive option for teams needing a traditional center who could anchor a defense and set hard screens. Jason and Jarron both entered the 2001 NBA Draft, making Stanford one of the rare universities to produce two NBA-bound twins in the same 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 defensive communication and professional demeanor in the locker room. While he was never a high-volume scorer, Collins forged a lengthy career built on consistency, dependability, and a team-first mindset. He retired from the NBA in November 2014 after 13 seasons. Jason Collins made history in 2013 when he openly declared his sexual orientation while still an active free agent. His Sports Illustrated essay was widely celebrated for its sincerity and bravery, instantly elevating him to one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes globally. The following year, he signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets under head coach Jason Kidd, a former teammate. On February 23, 2014, he became the first openly gay athlete to compete in an NBA game. Collins finished the season with the Nets. His public announcement helped reshape discussions around LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports, inspiring greater advocacy, visibility initiatives, and educational programs across the NBA and other leagues. After retiring, Collins served as an NBA Ambassador, continued advocating for equality, and participated in civic and charitable efforts that further broadened his influence. During his 13-year NBA career, Jason Collins earned over $34 million in salary. As a mid-first-round draft pick in 2001, he began with a rookie contract under the league’s pay scale and later signed multi-year deals with the New Jersey Nets that reflected his role as a defensive anchor and veteran presence. Since he primarily served as a rotation center, his contracts were typically mid-level or role-player agreements rather than high-value star contracts. However, his longevity allowed him to accumulate substantial career earnings. His final NBA contract was a 10-day agreement with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, followed by a remainder-of-season deal that concluded his professional playing days. In September 2025, the NBA announced that Collins had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Three months afterward, he personally shared the full details of his condition, revealing he had Stage 4 glioblastoma. In a letter to ESPN, Collins described the rapid progression 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 pursued an innovative treatment path with the hope of improving care for future patients. His transparency once again inspired widespread support from players, coaches, fans, and LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide. Tragically, Jason Collins died on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47. Jason Collins was married to film producer Brunson Green. The couple had been together for many years and remained active in advocacy work, community involvement, and public events focused on equality and representation. His identical twin brother, Jarron Collins, also played in the NBA and later transitioned into coaching, continuing the family’s strong connection to basketball at all levels. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved