Ex-NBA player Jason Collins has died after a long battle with glioblastoma, an advanced form of brain cancer.
He died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones.
The 47-year-old had a 13-year NBA career, mostly with the New Jersey Nets.
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Jason Collins smiles during the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service in 2026. Getty
The first openly gay NBA player, the league released a statement on Wednesday saying it was “heartbroken” by the news.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Collins played in the NBA between 2001 and 2014, retiring with the relocated Brooklyn Nets.
He scored more than 2000 points and pulled down more than 2000 rebounds across his career as a role player.
Jason Collins with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009. NBAE via Getty Images
Collins came out as gay in 2013 via the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active male athlete playing in a major American sports code to so.
At the time, he received phone calls from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama congratulating him on his courage.
In September of 2025, the NBA announced on his behalf that Collins had been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer.
Despite the diagnosis, he attended this year’s NBA All-Star weekend in February and has had a long-running partnership with the league’s NBA Cares program.
Across his NBA career, Collins played for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards.
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