Jason Collins Dies: NBA’s First Openly Gay Player Was 47
'Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life.'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Jason Collins attends the Los Angeles Clippers & Comcast NBCUniversal's NBA All-Star Legendary Tip-Off Celebration at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on February 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images) - Monica Schipper/Getty Images Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 47.
Collins made history in 2013 when he publicly came out during his professional basketball career, becoming the first openly gay active player in the NBA. A statement issued on May 12 on behalf of Collins’ family read : “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.
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. ” The following statement was issued today on behalf of the family of Jason Collins: “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.
Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an… https://t. co/ggzKT3cbUo — NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026 Collins revealed to ESPN that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma back in November, and while he was receiving treatment for the disease, the cancer returned. According to the publication, Collins died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family.