Blake Griffin, Candace Parker Lead New Hall of Fame Nominees

BREAKING: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has just announced its first-time nominees for the 2026 Class, featuring a star-studded lineup including Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, and Bruce Pearl. This urgent update has fans buzzing as these legends could soon be immortalized in basketball history.

The announcement was made on Friday during ESPN’s NBA Live show, unveiling nearly 200 nominees who have made significant impacts on the sport. Among the notable first-time nominees are Elena Delle Donne and Joe Johnson, alongside contributing figures like Mike D’Antoni.

John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Hall of Fame, emphasized the importance of this year’s candidates, stating,

“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball.”

He noted their defining performances and leadership that have elevated the sport both nationally and internationally.

The finalists for the Hall of Fame are set to be revealed during the NBA All-Star Weekend in February. The official announcement of the 2026 Class will take place on April 4, 2026, at the NCAA Final Four, with enshrinement weekend scheduled for August 14 and 15 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Returning nominees include Gonzaga coach Mark Few, NBA legends Marques Johnson and Buck Williams, and coaching pioneer Jerry Welsh. Molly Bolin, the first player signed by the Women’s Professional Basketball League, and former Serbian coach Dusan Ivkovic, a FIBA Hall of Famer, are also back on the ballot.

In addition, Doc Rivers, who holds the record for the most wins as an NBA coach without Hall of Fame recognition, is nominated again, alongside Amar’e Stoudemire and renowned broadcaster Marv Albert.

Teams under consideration include the historic 1936, 1972, and 1976 U.S. Olympic men’s teams, the 1982 Cheyney State team that made history in the inaugural NCAA Division I women’s national championship game, and the 1963 Loyola Chicago men’s team that broke racial barriers.

As excitement builds around this year’s nominees, basketball fans are eager to see who will ultimately make the cut. Stay tuned for updates as the basketball community prepares for an unforgettable 2026 Hall of Fame class.