Parker, Delle Donne and 1996 US Olympic Women's Basketball Team Headed to Hall of Fame

Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, and the 1996 Olympic team will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:56am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the abstracted forms of women's basketball players in motion, with sharp angles and overlapping planes in a vibrant color palette representing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Hall of Fame induction of women's basketball icons like Candace Parker and the 1996 Olympic team celebrates their pioneering careers and lasting impact on the sport.Springfield Today

Several basketball legends, including Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. The group was announced at halftime of the women's Final Four, with many members in attendance.

Why it matters

The induction of these basketball icons into the Hall of Fame recognizes their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport. Parker, Delle Donne, and Holdsclaw were dominant players in the WNBA and college basketball, while the 1996 Olympic team's historic undefeated season and championship win cemented their legacy as one of the greatest women's basketball teams of all time.

The details

Candace Parker won three WNBA titles with three different teams and was the only player in league history to win both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Elena Delle Donne is the first player in WNBA history to shoot over 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free throw line. Chamique Holdsclaw led Tennessee to three straight NCAA championships from 1996-1998, including an undefeated season in 1998.

  • The enshrinement ceremony will take place in August at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The players

Candace Parker

A WNBA legend who won three titles with three different teams and was the only player in league history to win both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

Elena Delle Donne

A two-time WNBA MVP who became the first player in league history to shoot over 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free throw line.

Chamique Holdsclaw

Led Tennessee to three straight NCAA championships from 1996-1998, including an undefeated season in 1998.

1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team

The historic team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Amar'e Stoudemire

The NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and six-time All-Star who spent the first eight years of his career with the Phoenix Suns.

Mike D'Antoni

The NBA coach who teamed up with Amar'e Stoudemire during the Suns' Lob City era.

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What’s next

The enshrinement ceremony will take place in August at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The takeaway

The induction of these basketball legends into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their incredible careers and the lasting impact they've had on the sport of women's basketball. Their achievements, both at the collegiate and professional levels, have inspired generations of players and fans alike.