A closer look at Jason Collins glioblastoma battle, NBA journey, and the cause of death behind the tragic news.
Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, has died at the age of 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, a dangerous form of brain cancer. His family confirmed the news on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, through a statement released by the NBA. ESPN reported that Collins died peacefully at his home while surrounded by family members after the cancer returned in recent weeks. The former NBA centre had shared his diagnosis publicly only months earlier and had continued searching for treatment options while staying active around the basketball community.
Jason Collins revealed in November that doctors had diagnosed him with stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. During an interview with ESPN, Collins explained that doctors initially warned he may only have weeks or a few months to live without treatment. In a first-person essay published by ESPN in December, Collins shared how seriously he took the diagnosis and how determined he was to learn more about the disease. Collins wrote:
“I started researching glioblastoma and all of my options. I wanted to know everything about what I was facing.”
After the diagnosis, Collins travelled to Singapore earlier this year to try experimental treatment methods that were not yet approved in the United States. According to ESPN, the treatment first showed positive signs. He was able to return home and even appeared at public events, including NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles and a basketball game at Stanford University, where he played in college. But later, the cancer returned. His condition worsened in recent weeks before he passed away at home.
Jason Collins’ family shared a heartfelt statement after his death through the NBA. The family said they were devastated by the loss and remembered Collins as a loving husband, son, brother and uncle who touched many lives during and after his basketball career. They also said his strength during his battle with glioblastoma inspired people both inside and outside the sports world.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute to Collins. Silver said Collins helped make sports more welcoming and inclusive for future generations. He added that Collins’ influence reached much further than basketball courts and locker rooms. The news led to reactions across the sports world, with players, coaches and fans remembering Collins for his courage and honesty during difficult moments in his life.
Jason Collins retired in 2014 after spending 13 seasons in the NBA. During his career, he played for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. Still, many fans remember him most for the historic moment in 2013 when he publicly came out in a cover story for Sports Illustrated. By doing that, Collins became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues.
That moment changed sports history and opened conversations across leagues about inclusion and acceptance. Even after retirement, Collins remained an important voice in the basketball world. Jason Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, Portia and Paul Collins, and his twin brother Jarron Collins.
What are your thoughts on Jason Collins’ NBA career and his lasting impact on sports history? Let us know.
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