The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame officially unveiled its Class of 2026 on April 4, with longtime NBA coach Doc Rivers highlighting a group that spans multiple eras of basketball greatness.
The announcement took place in Indianapolis during Final Four weekend and was broadcast on ESPN, adding to the significance of one of the sport’s biggest honors.
Rivers, currently head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, is joined by a decorated list of inductees that includes Amar’e Stoudemire, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Chamique Holdsclaw, along with the iconic 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team.
The class will be formally enshrined in August in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Doc Rivers’ Hall of Fame Resume
Rivers’ induction follows a coaching career that has left a lasting mark across the NBA.
He has recorded over 1,100 career wins as a head coach with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. His defining moment came in 2008, when he led the Celtics to an NBA championship, cementing his legacy among the game’s most respected leaders.
Following the announcement, Rivers reflected on what the honor means beyond wins and accolades.
“I’ve done a lot,” Rivers said. “The numbers are the numbers.”
“It’s not, I swear, why I got into this. Honestly, man, it’s the relationships. It’s the people. Even from the day I was nominated. The calls, I couldn’t even tell you … hundreds of player calls. And some of the calls have been amazing, because I thought they didn’t like me anymore.”
“Seriously. Just because you get respect … you have falling-outs with players. And you don’t ever worry about it. That’s just part of it, as a coach. It’s been amazing how many people that have reached out. It’s again made me feel really good about just doing what I do.”
Star Power Across the 2026 Class
The 2026 class reflects excellence across both the NBA and WNBA.
Stoudemire, a six-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, was one of the most dynamic forwards of his era, starring with the Phoenix Suns and helping define one of the league’s most explosive offenses during the 2000s.
Parker’s induction further cements her place among the greatest players in women’s basketball history. A two-time WNBA MVP and champion, she made history as the only player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Delle Donne, also a two-time MVP, and Holdsclaw, one of the most dominant players of her generation, round out a loaded group of women’s inductees.
GettyAmar’e Stoudemire speaks during a press conference announcing the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class at the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.
1996 U.S. Women’s Team Recognized for Lasting Impact
The inclusion of the 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team highlights a pivotal moment in the growth of the game.
The team went undefeated at the Atlanta Olympics, winning gold with an average margin of victory of more than 30 points. Their dominance and visibility played a major role in elevating women’s basketball globally and helped lay the groundwork for the WNBA’s launch.
Full Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026
North American Committee
- Joey Crawford (referee)
- Mark Few (coach)
- Doc Rivers (coach)
- Amar’e Stoudemire (player)
Women’s Committee
- 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team
- Elena Delle Donne (player)
- Chamique Holdsclaw (player)
- Candace Parker (player)
Contributors Committee
- Mike D’Antoni
Enshrinement Details
The Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will take place in August in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball. The multi-day celebration is expected to bring together legends from across generations to honor one of the most well-rounded classes in recent memory.
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