Candace Parker and Doc Rivers headline 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame
Former WNBA Most Valuable Players Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, alongside NBA stalwarts Doc Rivers and Amar’e Stoudemire, will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026.
The formal enshrinement ceremonies are scheduled to take place this August in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Both women’s basketball icons are entering the prestigious institution following glittering careers that redefined the modern professional game.
Unprecedented success across franchises
Parker remains the only player in WNBA history to secure championships with three different organisations.
The versatile forward captured titles with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces during a remarkable career.
She also holds the unique distinction of winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the same season after taking the league by storm in 2008.
The former Tennessee collegiate star’s dominance extended globally, earning two Olympic gold medals for the United States alongside her domestic triumphs.
A revolutionary shooting talent
Delle Donne joins her fellow two-time league MVP in Springfield after cementing her legacy as one of the most efficient scorers in basketball history.
The standout shooter became the first WNBA player to join the elite 50-40-90 club, finishing a season shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.
She famously led the Washington Mystics to their maiden WNBA championship in 2019.
Coaching and hardwood legends honoured
Current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Rivers also receives the ultimate basketball accolade in recognition of his extensive sideline career.
The veteran tactician ranks eighth on the all-time NBA coaching wins list with nearly 1,200 victories.
His crowning achievement came in 2008 when he guided the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, before later orchestrating the famous ‘Lob City’ era with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Meanwhile, Stoudemire earns his place among the greats following a spectacular 14-year playing career.
The explosive power forward made an immediate impact upon entering the NBA directly from high school, claiming the 2003 Rookie of the Year award.
He enjoyed his most iconic spell with the Phoenix Suns, forming a devastating pick-and-roll partnership with legendary point guard Steve Nash before concluding his career with stints in New York, Dallas and Miami.
