NBA Pioneer Jason Collins Passes Away After Battle with Brain Cancer

Jason Collins, the NBA’s trailblazing first openly gay player, has died at age 47 after an eight-month struggle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, his family confirmed Tuesday. Collins, who broke barriers by publicly coming out in 2013 while still an active player, inspired countless individuals worldwide through his bravery and authenticity. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” stated the Collins family through an NBA release. “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.” Beyond his groundbreaking personal revelation, Collins achieved notable success on the court, playing for multiple teams including the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics. His career spanned 13 seasons, during which he became a respected figure both on and off the court. In 2015, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit, though he was too unwell to attend; his twin brother, Jarron Collins, accepted the honor on his behalf. “Jason was a pioneer. He had courage like you’ve never seen,” said former teammate and coach Jason Kidd. “He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed, my brother. Rest in power.” The NBA and global community mourn his loss, celebrating his role in advancing equality within professional sports. As tributes pour in, Collins’ impact continues to resonate, cementing his place as a transformative figure in history. Read More By  TIM REYNOLDS June 18, 2026 P.S. Explore related stories about sports milestones and athlete legacies on AP News. © 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. By Tim Reynolds

Reynolds is an Associated Press sports writer based in South Florida.