Nine Icons, One Stage: Naismith Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026 Officially Announced

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 20:40 IST

The Naismith Hall of Fame unveils its 2026 class, featuring Candace Parker, Doc Rivers, Amar’e Stoudemire and the iconic 1996 USA women’s team among nine inductees.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its Class of 2026 — nine standout inductees who will be honoured during enshrinement festivities on August 14-15 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball.

The announcement, made in Indianapolis, host of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four, was broadcast live.

North American Committee Picks

Headlining the North American selections are coaches Mark Few and Doc Rivers, alongside six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire and veteran referee Joey Crawford.

Few’s resume is built on remarkable consistency, leading Gonzaga to 26 straight NCAA Tournament appearances and title game runs in 2017 and 2021. Rivers, meanwhile, ranks sixth all-time in NBA coaching wins (1,191) and famously led the Boston Celtics to the 2008 championship.

Stoudemire dazzled across 14 NBA seasons, most notably with the Phoenix Suns, earning Rookie of the Year honours in 2003 and averaging 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds. Crawford, one of the league’s most recognisable officials, worked 2,561 NBA games, including a record 374 playoff contests and 50 Finals appearances.

Women’s Game Takes Centre Stage

The Women’s Committee delivered a powerhouse class. Leading the way is the iconic 1996 United States women’s national basketball team, whose gold-medal run in Atlanta helped spark the rise of the WNBA.

They’re joined by three modern greats: Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Chamique Holdsclaw.

Parker’s legacy includes three WNBA titles, two MVP awards, and Olympic golds, while Delle Donne captured MVP honours in 2015 and 2019, leading the Washington Mystics to a championship. Holdsclaw, a six-time All-Star, remains one of the most influential players in women’s basketball history.

A Visionary Contributor

Rounding out the class is Mike D’Antoni, selected by the Contributors Committee. Known for revolutionising modern offensive play, his coaching stints with the Suns, Knicks, Lakers, and Rockets reshaped how the game is played today.

(with agency inputs)

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