NBA pioneer Jason Collins dies at 47 after brain cancer battle in 2026

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, passed away at 47 after a long fight with brain cancer.

Family announcement of passing On a Tuesday, Jason Collins' family shared that he had died from brain cancer at the age of 47. Collins had been serving as a global ambassador for basketball for the past ten years. His family revealed the news in a statement released by the league. They described Collins as a cherished husband, son, brother, and uncle who fought bravely against glioblastoma. ## Cancer diagnosis details Collins had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. He traveled to Singapore during the previous winter to undergo experimental treatments that were not yet available in the United States. These treatments showed enough progress for him to return home and attend NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles. Collins also visited his former university, Stanford, for a game during that time. ## Final days and legacy The cancer returned recently, leading to Collins' peaceful passing at his home surrounded by loved ones. His family expressed their heartbreak in the statement, calling him an inspiration to many. They also thanked medical professionals for the exceptional care he received. The statement mentioned an outpouring of love and support over the past eight months. ## Early career and retirement Collins concluded his 13-year NBA career in 2014, playing for several teams including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and the Nets again after their move to Brooklyn. His retirement followed a decade and a half of professional play across multiple franchises. ## Coming out announcement impact In 2013, Collins became the first openly gay athlete to compete in one of North America's four major professional sports leagues. His announcement came in a Sports Illustrated cover story, marking a historic moment for sports and inclusivity. Collins stated that his decision was straightforward and rooted in his confidence as a player. He emphasized that coming out did not create any controversy. ## Reaction from teammates and league Collins played 22 games for the Nets that season, joining teammates Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez, and Joe Johnson. His coach at the time was Jason Kidd, with whom he had previously played on the New Jersey Nets team that reached the NBA Finals in the 2002-03 season. The Nets organization gave him an opportunity despite the rarity of openly gay players in professional sports. ## Recognition from public figures Collins received personal congratulations from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama after his announcement. Obama remarked, "Congratulations -- what you've done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime." Collins valued this sentiment, expressing a desire to continue helping others indirectly through his actions. ## NBA commissioner's tribute NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for his influence beyond basketball. Silver highlighted Collins' role in making the league and broader sports community more welcoming for future generations. He noted Collins' leadership and professionalism during his career and his contributions as an NBA Cares Ambassador. The commissioner emphasized Collins' lasting impact on inclusivity. ## Medical challenges and mindset Doctors initially gave Collins a prognosis of six weeks to three months if he did not pursue treatment for his aggressive glioblastoma. He chose to research his condition thoroughly and explore all available options. Describing his approach, Collins said, "As an athlete you learn not to panic in moments like this. These are the cards I've been dealt." He embraced the challenge as he would an opponent on the court. ## Treatment decisions and survival Collins selected a treatment plan aimed at balancing quality of life with extending his time. He managed to complete parts of his initial treatment before the cancer progressed too rapidly for further intervention. Despite this setback, he survived long enough to be with his family until the end. Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents Portia and Paul Collins, and his brother Jarron Collins. ## Brother's connection to the league Jarron Collins, Jason's brother, most recently served as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans. The two shared a bond that extended beyond family, as both had careers in professional basketball. Jason's journey in the league influenced many, including his brother's involvement in coaching.