Blake Griffin, Amar'e Stoudemire, Candace Parker Headline Hall of Fame Finalists

The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists represent the full scope of basketball's impact.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its list of finalists for the Class of 2026, headlined by NBA stars Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire, WNBA legend Candace Parker, and several other notable players, coaches, and contributors to the game of basketball.

Why it matters

The Hall of Fame finalists represent the highest individual honors in basketball, recognizing the most impactful players, coaches, and figures who have helped shape the sport at the professional, collegiate, and international levels.

The details

The finalists include NBA players Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire, WNBA stars Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, coaches like Mike D'Antoni and Doc Rivers, and other contributors like referee Joey Crawford. The selection committee has highlighted the finalists' achievements in championships, historic milestones, and lasting influence on the game of basketball.

  • The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on Saturday, April 4, during Final Four Weekend.

The players

Blake Griffin

A six-time NBA All-Star whose athleticism and versatility helped redefine the power forward position, Griffin was the No. 1 overall pick of the Clippers in 2009 and a five-time All-NBA player.

Amar'e Stoudemire

A legendary NBA player who formed a dynamic pairing with coach Mike D'Antoni on the Phoenix Suns.

Candace Parker

A two-time NCAA national champion at Tennessee who became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, Parker is a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP.

Elena Delle Donne

A WNBA star who is also a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Mike D'Antoni

The legendary NBA coach who formed a dynamic pairing with player Amar'e Stoudemire on the Phoenix Suns.

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What they’re saying

“This year's group of Finalists represents the full scope of basketball's impact, from the professional and collegiate ranks to high school, international play, officiating, and innovation. Their achievements span championships, historic milestones, and a lasting influence on how the game is played, taught, and experienced around the world. Each Finalist has made a notable contribution to basketball's growth and excellence, and their collective legacy speaks to the power of the sport.”

— Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on Saturday, April 4, during Final Four Weekend.

The takeaway

The impressive list of finalists for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame showcases the enduring impact and influence of basketball at the highest levels, from the NBA and WNBA to the international stage, and across players, coaches, and other contributors who have helped shape the sport's legacy.