BREAKING: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has just announced its first-time nominees for 2026, featuring big names like Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, and Jamal Crawford. This exciting development was revealed during Friday’s ESPN’s NBA Live show, sparking buzz among basketball fans worldwide.
Among the notable nominees are the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, Bruce Pearl, and Kelvin Sampson. The announcement highlights the enduring impact these figures have had on the sport, a sentiment echoed by John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Hall, who stated, “The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball.”
In addition to the aforementioned legends, fans will also see Elena Delle Donne and Joe Johnson on the ballot, alongside Mike D’Antoni, a recognized contributor in the basketball community. This year’s list features nearly 200 players and teams, including repeat nominees like Jennifer Azzi, who was part of the iconic 1996 gold medal-winning team.
The Hall of Fame will announce finalists during the NBA All-Star weekend in February, with the final class unveiled on April 4, 2026, at the NCAA Final Four. Enshrinement weekend is set for August 14-15, 2026, taking place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Returning to the ballot are last year’s finalists, including Mark Few, Marques Johnson, Buck Williams, and Doc Rivers, the only NBA coach with over 1,000 wins yet to be inducted. Other notable returnees include Amar’e Stoudemire and legendary broadcaster Marv Albert.
Teams under consideration include the historic 1936, 1972, and 1976 U.S. Olympic men’s teams, as well as the 1982 Cheyney State team, coached by C. Vivian Stringer, which competed in the inaugural NCAA Division I women’s national championship game.
As basketball fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming announcements, the nominees’ legacies highlight the sport’s evolution and the ongoing contributions of its key figures. Stay tuned for further updates as the Hall of Fame prepares for what promises to be a thrilling 2026 induction class.