Nationwide — Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, died at 47 after an eight-month battle with an aggressive brain tumor. He leaves behind a 13-year professional career and a lasting impact on inclusion in basketball.
According to ABC News, his family said Collins had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma and fought the illness for eight months. In a statement released through the NBA, they confirmed his passing and reflected on the support they received during his treatment.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the NBA. “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.”
Just days before his death, Collins was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend, so his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted it on his behalf.
Collins entered the NBA after being selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 draft out of Stanford University. He built a reputation as a reliable center known for defense, discipline, and team-first play across multiple roles.
He spent 13 seasons in the league across six teams, including key years with the New Jersey Nets. In the 2004-05 season, he posted career highs with 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds, helping the Nets reach two NBA Finals. He finished his career averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds.
In April 2013, Collins made history when he came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated first-person essay while he was a free agent. He later returned to the court and played 22 games with the Brooklyn Nets the following season.
His announcement received wide support from across sports and public life. NBA star Kobe Bryant and other players backed him, and the White House also acknowledged his decision. Collins also wore jersey No. 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard and briefly wore No. 46 with the Nets due to availability.
The NBA later recognized Collins’ broader influence beyond the court. League commissioner Adam Silver said he helped push basketball toward a more inclusive environment through his leadership and work as an NBA Cares ambassador.
Former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery also remembered him as a standout player who combined skill, intelligence, and strong character throughout his career.