Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, died at the age of 47 following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer. His family announced his passing, describing his fight against the disease as valiant.

Collins was diagnosed in 2025 and faced difficulties with concentration as the tumor spread rapidly. He underwent treatment, including targeted chemotherapy with the drug Avastin and sought specialized treatment abroad.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Collins, stating that his influence extended beyond basketball, helping to foster inclusivity in the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community. Collins made history in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay, a landmark moment for LGBTQ visibility in professional sports.

He played 13 seasons in the NBA, representing six teams, including the New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks, and was known for his defensive role as a center. After retiring in 2014, Collins was named among Time magazine's 100 most influential people and continued his advocacy for inclusivity in sports.