Elena Delle Donne Named Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026 Finalist

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Elena Delle Donne, a native of Greenville, Delaware who starred at Ursuline Academy and the University of Delaware before a successful WNBA career, has been named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2026 induction class. Delle Donne, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and 2015 and 2019 league MVP, is one of 21 finalists announced on February 11, 2026.

Why it matters

Delle Donne's potential induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame would be a historic moment for Delaware, as she would become the first native of the state to receive this honor. Her remarkable career, which includes WNBA championships, Olympic gold, and numerous individual accolades, has cemented her status as one of the greatest women's basketball players of her era.

The details

Delle Donne is one of five finalists from the women's committee, along with the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Jennifer Azzi, Candace Parker, and Chamique Holdsclaw. The 6-foot-5 Delle Donne was the WNBA MVP in 2015 and 2019, when she led the Washington Mystics to the league title. She was also the Rookie of the Year in 2013 and made seven All-Star teams, earning four first-team All-WNBA selections. Delle Donne holds the WNBA career record for free-throw percentage and is fifth all-time in points per game.

• Delle Donne was named a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame finalist on February 11, 2026.
• The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on April 4, 2026.
• The induction ceremonies are scheduled for August 14, 2026 at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

What’s next

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will announce the 2026 inductees on April 4, 2026.