Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026 [1], at age 47 [2].
Collins broke a significant cultural barrier in professional sports, paving the way for LGBTQ+ athletes to live and work openly in high-profile athletic leagues.
His family announced that he died from complications of stage 4 glioblastoma [3], an aggressive brain cancer [4]. A family spokesperson said, "We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins has died" [5].
Collins had previously shared his health struggles with the public. He told ESPN in November that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma [6]. In an effort to combat the disease, he traveled to Singapore earlier this winter to receive experimental treatments [7].
During his professional career, Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA [8]. He is remembered not only for his contributions on the court as a center, but as a trailblazer for human rights in sports. The Associated Press said Collins was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes [9].
His death comes after a period of private battle with the tumor, though his openness about the diagnosis in late 2025 brought awareness to the severity of glioblastoma. He remained a symbol of courage for the LGBTQ+ community throughout his tenure in the league and beyond.
“Jason Collins was the first openly gay player in NBA history and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes.”
The death of Jason Collins marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the intersection of professional sports and civil rights. By becoming the first active NBA player to come out, Collins shifted the cultural landscape of the league, moving the conversation from theoretical acceptance to lived reality. His public battle with glioblastoma in his final months adds a layer of visibility to the challenges of aggressive brain cancers.
