Stoudemire, Rivers, Parker Headline 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Class

Gonzaga's Mark Few also set to join elite group of inductees.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and intensity of a basketball game, conceptually representing the diverse talents of the Hall of Fame class.This cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and multi-faceted brilliance of the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame inductees.NYC Today

The Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class, which will feature several high-profile inductees including former NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire, longtime NBA coach Doc Rivers, and WNBA legend Candace Parker. Gonzaga head coach Mark Few will also be enshrined after building one of the most dominant college basketball programs in the country.

Why it matters

The Basketball Hall of Fame is the highest individual honor in the sport, recognizing the all-time greats who have left an indelible mark on the game. The 2026 class features a mix of NBA and WNBA stars, as well as a highly respected college coach, underscoring the Hall's commitment to honoring excellence across all levels of basketball.

The details

Stoudemire, a five-time NBA All-Star, was a key member of the revolutionary 'Seven Seconds or Less' Phoenix Suns teams in the 2000s before later playing for the New York Knicks. Rivers, the sixth-winningest coach in NBA history, won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and has since coached the Clippers, 76ers, and Bucks. Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, is one of the greatest women's players ever after starring at Tennessee and in the WNBA. Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP, also earned induction after a standout college career at Delaware and professional success with the Sky and Mystics. Few has built Gonzaga into a perennial powerhouse, leading the Bulldogs to two national championship games and 23 regular-season West Coast Conference titles.

  • The Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be officially announced on Saturday at the Final Four.

The players

Amar'e Stoudemire

A five-time NBA All-Star who was a key member of the revolutionary 'Seven Seconds or Less' Phoenix Suns teams in the 2000s before later playing for the New York Knicks.

Doc Rivers

The sixth-winningest coach in NBA history, he won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and has since coached the Clippers, 76ers, and Bucks.

Candace Parker

A two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, she is one of the greatest women's players ever after starring at Tennessee and in the WNBA.

Elena Delle Donne

A two-time WNBA MVP, she earned induction after a standout college career at Delaware and professional success with the Sky and Mystics.

Mark Few

The head coach at Gonzaga, he has built the Bulldogs into a perennial powerhouse, leading them to two national championship games and 23 regular-season West Coast Conference titles.

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What they’re saying

“Amar'e was a dominant force in the NBA for many years, helping revolutionize the game with his athleticism and skill. His induction is a well-deserved honor.”

— Steve Nash, Former NBA player and coach

“Doc Rivers has been one of the most respected coaches in the league for decades. His championship pedigree and ability to get the most out of his teams make him a worthy Hall of Famer.”

— Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs head coach

“Candace Parker is one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball. Her impact on the game, both at the collegiate and professional levels, is undeniable.”

— Lisa Leslie, WNBA legend

What’s next

The full Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be officially announced on Saturday, April 5th, during the Final Four weekend festivities.

The takeaway

This star-studded 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class highlights the game's best and brightest talents, spanning the NBA, WNBA, and college ranks. The induction of Stoudemire, Rivers, Parker, Delle Donne, and Few solidifies their legacies as all-time greats who have left an indelible mark on the sport.