Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Candace Parker, Doc Rivers lead enshrinees

Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAYFri, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC

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The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 features nine distinguished inductees that include WNBA legends, NBA and college coaches, and the iconic 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic basketball team that captured gold in Atlanta.

Among those selected for enshrinement by the North American Committee is Joey Crawford, one of the longest-tenured officials in NBA history, who served as a referee for 39 seasons from 1977 to 2016.

Also joining the class is college basketball coach Mark Few, who has guided the Gonzaga Bulldogs to 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire is also being honored for his multiple All-Star selections.

NBA coach Doc Rivers is another inductee, recognized for his 27 seasons as a head coach. Rivers’ career highlights include leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008 and more than 1,000 career coaching wins while leading the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Women’s Committee selected the 1996 women's national team, which captured the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

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Three standout WNBA players are also being honored: Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP (2015, 2019); Chamique Holdsclaw, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft; and Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Rounding out the class from the Contributors Committee is Mike D’Antoni, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year (2005, 2017), who served as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning 2021 U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team.

More: Candace Parker, Women's Leadership Council address coaching gaps in women's sports

Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Enshrinement Class of 2026 according to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:

North American committee -

Joey Crawford: NBA referee for 39 seasons (1977-2016)

Mark Few: Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach since 1999

Doc Rivers: 27 seasons as NBA head coach

Amar'e Stoudemire: 14-year NBA career

Women's committee -

1996 U.S. Women's National Team: Gold medalist at 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta

Elena Delle Donne: Two-time WNBA MVP (2015, 2019)

Chamique Holdsclaw: No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft

Candace Parker: Three-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist

Contributors committee -

Mike D'Antoni: Two-time NBA Coach of the Year (2005, 2017)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Candace Parker, Doc Rivers lead enshrinees

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