In the months before his death, the former NBA player continued making public appearances while quietly dealing with health changes he later described in a personal essay.Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, has died less than a year after marrying his husband in Austin, Texas. The NBA and Collins’ family announced the news on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and later revealed what led to his passing.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins’ influence extended beyond basketball. In a statement published by the NBA, Silver said Collins helped make sports “more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”

“Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others,” Silver said.Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA and later served as an NBA Cares ambassador. His decision to publicly come out in 2013 marked a major moment in professional sports and drew support from athletes, league officials, celebrities, and political leaders.Family Confirms Jason Collins Died From Brain CancerCollins’ family later revealed in a statement sent to the NBA that he died after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” the family said. The family added that Collins “changed lives in unexpected ways” and thanked supporters for their prayers during the past eight months.