Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history who played 13 seasons in the league, died May 12 per a family announcement. He was 47.
Collins had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
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The family of former NBA center Jason Collins has announced Collins’ passing at age 47 after a battle with glioblastoma.
Just an incredibly sad day in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/TTlMroqIhw
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 12, 2026
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” read a statement from Collins’ family. “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.”
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Collins publicly revealed his fight with Stage 4 glioblastoma in November 2025. ESPN reported that Collins died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
In 2013, Collins came out publicly as gay, a historic first for an active North American athlete in a major professional sport. The 2013-14 season with the Brooklyn Nets would be the last in his long career.
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On the court, Collins was a prototypical defensive-minded center who averaged 3.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.5 blocks in 735 career games for the Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
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More to come on this story.