NBA Pioneer Jason Collins Dies at 47 After Cancer Battle

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has died at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with brain cancer, his family announced on May 12, 2026. Collins, who made history in 2013 by coming out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, in November 2025. His passing was confirmed by the NBA, which released a heartfelt statement on behalf of his family.

Collins was diagnosed with the aggressive form of cancer last year, leading him to seek experimental treatments in Singapore that were not yet authorized in the United States. These treatments initially proved effective, allowing him to return home and participate in various events, including the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles and a game at his alma mater, Stanford University. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, and he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family said in a statement. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.” They expressed gratitude for the love and prayers received during the past eight months and acknowledged the exceptional medical care he received.

Collins had a 13-year career in the NBA, playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. He retired in 2014 after a notable career that saw him average 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds over 735 games.

His announcement of being gay in 2013 was a landmark moment in sports, making him the first openly gay active player in one of North America’s four major men’s pro sports leagues. Collins recalled in a November interview how he received back-to-back calls from notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama, following his announcement. He shared that Obama congratulated him, stating, "What you've done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for his contributions to making the sports community more inclusive. “Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver said. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also honored Collins, stating, “His courage shattered barriers, making him a global beam of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. He worked relentlessly to promote inclusion in locker rooms, schools, and communities, challenging us all to be more empathetic.”

At Stanford, Collins set a school record by making nearly 61% of his shots during his collegiate career and was an honorable mention for The Associated Press' All-America team in 2001, shortly before being selected by the Houston Rockets with the 18th pick of that year’s NBA Draft. He spent a majority of his career with the Nets and returned to the franchise in the 2013-14 season, where he played 22 games alongside stars like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Collins’ twin brother, Jarron Collins, also played in the NBA and was an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans. Jarron accepted the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award on behalf of his brother last week. “I told my brother this before I came here: He's the bravest, strongest man I've ever known,” Jarron said during the award acceptance.

In December 2025, Collins shared insights about his diagnosis and treatment options in a first-person story published by ESPN. He noted that doctors initially gave him a prognosis of six weeks to three months to live without treatment. “I started researching glioblastoma and all of my options. I wanted to know everything about what I was facing,” he wrote. “As an athlete, you learn not to panic in moments like this. These are the cards I've been dealt.”

Collins emphasized the importance of his fight against cancer, hoping that his experiences and treatments might one day help others facing similar diagnoses. “If what I'm doing doesn't save me, I feel good thinking that it might help someone else who gets a diagnosis like this one day,” he stated.

He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, Portia and Paul Collins, and his twin brother, Jarron. The NBA community and fans alike mourn the loss of a trailblazer whose legacy will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.

As the sports world reflects on Collins’ remarkable life and contributions, his story continues to inspire many, reminding everyone of the importance of authenticity, courage, and the fight for inclusivity in all areas of life.