Naismith Hall of Fame Reveals 2026 Finalist Lineup
Springfield, Massachusetts, is the focal point as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its Finalists for the Class of 2026. The selected candidates come from various committees, including North American, Women’s, Men’s Veterans, Women’s Veterans, International, and Contributors. These Finalists will be reviewed by the Honors Committee for induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame.
Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Finalists
The official announcement took place today, with the Finalists for the Class of 2026 identified. The final selections will be unveiled during a live show on ESPN2 on April 4 at 12:00 PM ET, coinciding with the NCAA Final Four Weekend.
North American Committee Finalists
- Joey Crawford (Referee)
- Mark Few (Coach)
- Blake Griffin (Player)
- Kevin Johnson (Player)
- Gary McKnight (Coach)
- Dick Motta (Coach)
- Doc Rivers (Coach)
- Kelvin Sampson (Coach)
- Amar’e Stoudemire (Player)
- Jerry Welsh (Coach)
- Buck Williams (Player)
Women’s Committee Finalists
- 1996 United States Women’s National Team
- Jennifer Azzi (Player)
- Elena Delle Donne (Player)
- Chamique Holdsclaw (Player)
- Candace Parker (Player)
Veterans Committee Finalists
- Molly Bolin-Kazmer (Player)
International Committee Finalist
- Dušan Ivković (Coach)
Contributors Committee Finalists
- Tal Brody
- Mike D’Antoni
Remarks from Jerry Colangelo
Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, expressed that this group embodies the extensive impact basketball has on various levels, from professional to international play. He praised their achievements, which highlight milestones and influence in the sport.
Event Details
The Enshrinement Weekend will commence at Mohegan Sun on August 14, with a Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala. The Enshrinement Ceremony will follow on August 15 at Symphony Hall in Springfield.
Tickets for all events will be available for purchase on April 4 at 1:00 PM ET, right after the announcement of the 2026 Class. For further updates, fans can visit Filmogaz.com.
Notable Achievements of Select Finalists
| Name | Category | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Griffin | Player | Six-time NBA All-Star; NBA Rookie of the Year 2011 |
| Mark Few | Coach | Led Gonzaga to multiple NCAA Tournament berths and championship game appearances |
| Doc Rivers | Coach | NBA Championship with Boston Celtics in 2008; Over 1,175 coaching wins |
| Candace Parker | Player | Three-time WNBA Champion and two-time MVP |
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class promises to be a significant tribute to legends and innovators in basketball. Fans eagerly await the upcoming enshrinement and celebration of their contributions to the sport.
