NBA’s First Openly Gay Player Jason Collins Dies at 47

Published on May 13, 2026

Former NBA player Jason Collins, who made history as the league’s first openly gay active player, has died at the age of 47 after a battle with brain cancer.

According to reports, Collins died following an eight-month fight with stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released through the NBA.

Collins made global headlines in 2013 after publicly coming out as gay while still an active NBA player, becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in a major American professional sports league.

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The former center enjoyed a 13-year NBA career, playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in across the basketball world, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praising Collins for helping make sports “more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”

Beyond basketball, Collins was widely respected for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality in sports, earning praise from athletes, public figures and fans around the world.

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