Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw in Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026 class

Lady Vols basketball will have two of its greatest players inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in its 2026 class. Candace Parker and Chamique Holdsclaw were both announced as two of the nine members of the 2026 class, the Hall announced April 4. Tennessee will also have a few additional players enter the Hall this year with the induction of the 1996 U.

S. women's national team, which included former Lady Vols Nikki McCray-Penson and Carla McGhee. WNBA great Elena Delle Donne will join Parker, Holdsclaw and the 1996 team on the women's side.

The class, which will be enshrined on Aug. 15 in Springfield, Massachusetts, also includes Gonzaga coach Mark Few, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, former NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire and referee Joey Crawford. Parker will be enter the Hall in her first year of eligibility, two years after retiring from one of the greatest careers in women's basketball.

Parker will also be inducted to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on June 27 in her first year of eligibility. Parker retired in April 2024 after 16 seasons in the WNBA. The 6-foot-4 forward was a two-time WNBA MVP, a three-time WNBA champion and a 10-time All-WNBA selection.