Jason Collins, NBA's First Openly Gay Player, Dies From Brain Cancer

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May 18, 2026 - 03:12

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Jason Collins, NBA's First Openly Gay Player, Dies From Brain Cancer

Former NBA player Jason Collins has died of brain cancer at 47.

Collins was the NBA’s first openly gay player, serving as a global ambassador for the sport for the last decade. His family confirmed in a statement that he died of complications due to one of the a form of brain cancer, Stage 4 glioblastoma.

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," reads the statement. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement about Collins’ death, saying that his "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. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”

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The National Basketball Players Association released a heartwarming message about Collins, saying that it is “proud to call Jason one of our own.”

"His courage shattered barriers, making him a global beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community," the statement reads. "He worked relentlessly to foster inclusion in locker rooms, schools, and communities, challenging us all to be more empathetic. ... Today, we mourn a devastating loss while celebrating a trailblazer whose legacy of bravery and inclusion will resonate for generations."

Collins previously opened up about his brain cancer in an essay posted on ESPN’s website. He revealed that he traveled to Singapore for experimental treatments that weren’t authorized in the United States yet. Because of their effectiveness, he was able to come home and attend NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles.

In 2014, Collins retired after a 13-year career in the NBA, where he played for teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards.

He came out as gay in 2013 and became the first publicly gay athlete in the four main North American sports organizations. He married his husband, Brunson Green, last May.