Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies aged 47

May 13, 2026

Jason Collins, who made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in major American professional sports, has died at age 47 from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Collins publicly announced his diagnosis in December 2025 after doctors discovered an inoperable tumor that was spreading rapidly across his brain, giving him only three months to live without treatment. During his 13-season NBA career, he played for six teams and became particularly known for rejoining the Brooklyn Nets after coming out, cementing his place as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Who is affected

Jason Collins (deceased)
Collins' family
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and its community
The WNBA community
The Brooklyn Nets organization and fans
Stanford University basketball program
LGBTQ+ athletes and community members
Former teammates from Collins' six NBA teams
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are currently described in the article. The article discusses past treatments (Avastin drug therapy and chemotherapy in Singapore) that Collins underwent, but these are described in past tense as he has now passed away.

Why it matters

Jason Collins' death represents the loss of a groundbreaking figure who courageously broke barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports at a time when gay marriage wasn't even legal nationwide. His decision to come out publicly in 2013 while still professionally active opened doors for future generations of athletes to live authentically without fear of losing their careers. His impact extended beyond athletics by demonstrating that being one's true self leads to a more fulfilling life, inspiring people both within and outside the sports community to embrace authenticity and inclusivity.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC