Former NBA center and pioneering figure in professional sports inclusion Jason Collins has died at the age of 46 following an eight-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and advanced form of brain cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
Collins, who became the first openly gay player in NBA history and a widely respected global ambassador for inclusion in sports, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family members.
The former National Basketball Association veteran had revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. Despite undergoing treatment and seeking advanced care, including experimental therapies in Singapore, his condition worsened in recent months. He was last seen publicly attending NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles earlier this year, where he received warm support from fans, players, and league officials.
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According to his family, the cancer ultimately returned in an aggressive form, leading to his passing. In an emotional statement, they reflected on his life, legacy, and the profound impact he had on those closest to him and the broader world of sports.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. 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,” the family said.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker… pic.twitter.com/9Qo1JRbLkU
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 13, 2026
Collins enjoyed a 13-year career in the NBA, establishing himself as a reliable veteran presence across multiple franchises, including the New Jersey Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and briefly the Memphis Grizzlies. Known primarily for his defensive presence, physicality, and veteran leadership, he built a reputation as a dependable role player throughout his career.
Over 735 regular-season games, Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, contributing in ways that often extended beyond the box score. His most productive season came during his time with the Nets, where he helped guide the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances and posted career-best averages of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds during the 2004–05 season.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Collins’ legacy is defined by his historic decision in April 2013 to publicly come out as gay while still an active NBA player. That announcement made him the first openly gay athlete to compete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues, a groundbreaking moment that reshaped conversations around identity, acceptance, and inclusion in professional athletics.
Following his announcement, Collins returned to play for the Nets, appearing in 22 games and receiving widespread support from teammates, opponents, and fans across the league. His courage and visibility marked a turning point in sports culture, paving the way for greater inclusivity across the NBA, WNBA, and international sports communities.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Collins, highlighting both his contributions on the court and his broader impact on society.
“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. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others. On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across other leagues,” Silver said.
Across the basketball world, tributes have begun pouring in from former teammates, league officials, and fans who remember Collins not only as a solid NBA center, but as a trailblazer whose courage helped change professional sports forever.
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