Summary
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player and a transformative figure in sports history, died on May 13, 2026, at age 47 from Stage 4 glioblastoma (brain cancer). Collins played eight seasons with the Brooklyn Nets (from his NBA debut in 2001 through 2008), where he forged a bond with young guard Jason Kidd that would extend through their shared Nets era and beyond. Collins' historic coming-out in 2013 — "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." — reshaped professional basketball's cultural landscape. He spent the past decade as a global ambassador for the sport after his playing career ended in 2014.
Key Facts
- Born: December 2, 1978; died May 13, 2026 (age 47)
- Nets tenure: 8 seasons (2001–2008), significant contributor to franchise's early 2000s trajectory
- Historic achievement: First openly gay player in NBA history (came out May 2013 at age 34)
- Playing position: Center, 6'10" frame, known for interior defense and versatility
- Cause of death: Stage 4 glioblastoma (malignant brain cancer)
- Legacy post-playing career: Served as global ambassador for the NBA (2014–2026), advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports
Nets Tenure (2001–2008)
Collins was drafted by the New Jersey Nets and spent eight seasons with the franchise during a transformative era. He developed alongside Jason Kidd, forming a teammate bond that lasted beyond their playing days. When Kidd became the Nets' head coach in 2013-14, Collins was briefly part of that coaching staff era, making their connection one of basketball's enduring teammate-to-coach relationships.
Historic Coming Out (May 2013)
On April 29, 2013 — during the NBA playoffs — Collins publicly announced his identity in a Sports Illustrated essay: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." At the time, he was a free agent with several teams still in playoff contention. His announcement opened a new era of professional sports discourse on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Notably, Jason Kidd, who had been Collins' Nets teammate years earlier, praised him as a "pioneer" after his death, underscoring the respect Collins earned across the sport.
Post-Playing Career & Legacy
After retiring from the NBA in 2014, Collins served as a global ambassador for professional basketball, advocating for inclusion, equality, and representation across all levels of the sport. His work extended the impact of his coming-out far beyond his playing career, establishing him as a transformative figure in sports history — not just for basketball, but for professional athletics broadly.
Jason Kidd's Tribute (2026-05-14)
Jason Kidd, current head coach of the Nets, mourned Collins' death with visible emotion: "This one hurts." Kidd reflected on Collins as both a former teammate (overlapping 7 years as players) and later as someone he coached (2013-14 season). Kidd called Collins a "pioneer," honoring the historic significance of his coming-out and his impact on the sport.
Related
- Jason Kidd — Current Nets head coach, former teammate and coach of Collins
- The Superstar Era — Early Nets timeline when Collins was part of the franchise
- Sean Marks — Modern Nets front office perspective on basketball and culture
Open Questions
- How will the Nets formally commemorate Collins' legacy during the 2026-27 season?
- What lasting impact will his decade as a global ambassador have on LGBTQ+ inclusion in basketball?
Confidence Level
High — Multiple official sources (ESPN, NY Post) confirm date of death, age, cause, and quotes from Jason Kidd. His playing career with the Nets and historic coming-out are well-documented.