The 2026 nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame include an Olympic team and female players in their first year of eligibility.
Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, Bruce Pearl, Kelvin Sampson, Elena Delle Donne, and Joe Johnson are all first timers to the nominees list for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mike D’Antoni is also a first time nominee as a contributor.
Among the nearly 200 nominees are returning player from last year Jennifer Azzi, Gonzaga coach Mark Few, Marques Johnson, Buck Williams, Jerry Welsh, Molly Bolin, Dusan Ivkovic, Doc Rivers, Amar’s Stoudemire, and broadcaster Marv Albert.
President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame John L. Doleva spoke on the nominees saying, “the candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball. Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”
Hall of Fame finalists will be announced in February with the new class of Hall of Famers revealed on April 4 during the NCAA Final Four.
The new class of inductees will be enshrined on August 14 and 15.