Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, passes away at 47 after cancer fight

Brooklyn: Former NBA centre Jason Collins has died aged 47 after battling glioblastoma, his family confirmed. The news was shared through the NBA, with Commissioner Adam Silver paying tribute to Collins’ lasting impact on the sport and wider society.

Collins is remembered not only for his basketball career but also for breaking one of the most significant barriers in professional sports history

A career across multiple NBA teams

Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA, representing six franchises including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets.

He was a key part of the Nets’ early 2000s success and remained a respected presence throughout his career, known for his defensive strength and team-first mentality.

In 2013, Collins made global headlines when he publicly came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first active male athlete in a major US professional team sport to do so.

His decision came at a time when acceptance in professional sports was still limited, making his announcement a defining moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in athletics.

He later returned to the Nets, becoming the first openly gay athlete to compete in any of the four major US sports leagues.

Battle with aggressive brain cancer

Collins was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2025 after experiencing health issues, later describing the tumour as highly aggressive and inoperable.

He underwent treatment including targeted chemotherapy and medication to slow tumour growth, but doctors warned the disease was life-threatening.

Despite his illness, Collins continued to speak openly about his experience and reflected on living authentically after his coming out journey.

Tributes have poured in from across the NBA community, with former teams and colleagues describing him as a player who combined professionalism with kindness and leadership.

The Brooklyn Nets said Collins helped define an era of their franchise, while Stanford University, where he played college basketball, also honoured his contributions.

Beyond sport, Collins is widely recognised for his role in advancing inclusion and changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports.