Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47

The NBA is in mourning. Jason Collins, the first active player in a major American sport to publicly come out as gay, passed away at home, surrounded by his family. He was 47 years old. His death came just hours after that of Brandon Clarke, making this Tuesday a particularly dark day for the basketball community.

Collins had been fighting stage 4 glioblastoma for several months, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Diagnosed in November, he chose to fight with the same determination that had defined him on the court. He traveled to Singapore during the winter to receive experimental treatments not yet approved in the United States, which allowed him to return home and attend All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles in February. But the cancer returned too quickly to give him a chance to complete his treatment protocol.

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May 12, 2026

Tom Compayrot

A 13-year NBA career marked by historic courage

« Our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle passed away after a long and valiant battle with glioblastoma, » his family announced in a statement released by the NBA. « Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was a source of inspiration for everyone who knew him, as well as those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers received over the past eight months. He will be deeply missed by our family. »

A first-round pick in the 2001 Draft, Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Grizzlies, the Timberwolves, the Hawks, the Celtics, the Wizards and the Nets. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over his career, with his best season coming in 2004-2005 at 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He reached the Finals twice with the Nets, in 2002 and 2003.

In 2013, in a Sports Illustrated cover story, he became the first active athlete in one of the four major North American leagues to come out. « When I chose to come out, there was no scandal, » he told ESPN in November. « It was simply: I feel good enough to play in the NBA, and by the way, I’m gay. Thankfully, the Nets were the only team to give me a chance. »

Breaking: 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins has died at 47 years old, his family announced. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. pic.twitter.com/pvdGrEZYPv

— ESPN (@espn) May 12, 2026

A legacy full of meaning

Adam Silver paid tribute to his legacy: « Jason’s impact and influence extended beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, the WNBA and the world of sport more inclusive and welcoming for future generations. Jason will be remembered for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many people. »

Just last week, Collins received the very first Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. Too ill to attend, his twin brother Jarron accepted the award on his behalf. « I told my brother before coming here: he is the most courageous and strongest man I have ever known, » said Jarron Collins. Jason Collins leaves behind far more than a basketball legacy…

The Spurs hold a moment of silence for Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, and NBA Cares Ambassador and former NBA player Jason Collins. pic.twitter.com/IIYHLXM4ta

— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2026