Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47...
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- Jason Collins died at 47 from Stage 4 glioblastoma, surrounded by family at his Los Angeles home, according to a family statement released through the NBA.
- Jason Collins traveled to Singapore for experimental brain‑cancer treatments after his November diagnosis, enabling him to attend NBA All‑Star Weekend and a Stanford game before the cancer returned.
- Jason Collins retired in 2014 after a 13‑year NBA career with seven teams, including the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, where he helped define an era and was praised for his selfless leadership.
- Jason Collins publicly came out in a 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay player in the four major North American sports leagues and a global ambassador for the NBA.
- Brooklyn Nets issued a statement calling Collins a “constant in the locker room” and noting his impact extended far beyond the court, highlighting his role in moving the league forward on inclusion.
Why it matters: The NBA community loses a 13‑year veteran and a decade‑long global ambassador, while the LGBTQ+ community loses a high‑profile role model; the league’s tribute underscores his lasting influence on inclusion.
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