Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died on May 12, 2026

Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died on May 12, 2026

Jason Collins, the first active openly gay player in NBA history, passed away at the age of 47 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Medical Battle and Final MonthsDiagnosis: Collins publicly revealed his inoperable brain tumor diagnosis in an ESPN essay. He noted that doctors initially discovered the mass after he began experiencing memory issues and severe brain fog.Experimental Treatment: He travelled to Singapore to undergo specialized, targeted chemotherapy and was prescribed Avastin to halt the tumor's growth. The initial treatment cycles provided temporary relief, enabling him to attend the NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles earlier in the year.Final Progression: The cancer returned aggressively in recent weeks, and he passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Tributes and LegacyFamily Statement: Released through the National Basketball Association (NBA), his family shared their heartbreak, thanking healthcare providers and noting that Collins "changed lives in unexpected ways". He is survived by his husband, film producer Brunson Green—whom he married in May 2025—and his twin brother, Jarron Collins.League Response: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on NBA.com honoring Collins' profound impact, stating that his bravery helped make the NBA, WNBA, and broader sports community more inclusive for future generations.Recent Honors: Just last week, Collins was awarded the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. Due to his illness, his brother Jarron accepted the award on his behalf jason collins glioblastoma jason collins nba jason collins cause of death brunson green nba player dies how did jason collins die jarron collins jason collins death jason collins husband jason collins brother jayson collins