Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne enter Basketball Hall of Fame
WNBA icons Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne were enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts on Saturday night.
The star-studded 2026 induction class strongly highlighted women’s basketball, celebrating multiple multi-time most valuable players alongside legendary Olympic teams.
Joining the groundbreaking duo were prominent figures from the men’s game, including coaching veterans Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni.
Former Phoenix Suns star Amar’e Stoudemire, long-time official Joey Crawford and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few also received basketball’s highest honour.
A love letter to the sport
During an emotional ceremony, Parker brought a basketball to the podium to symbolise her lifelong connection to the game.
The three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist reflected on a decorated career that began with dominance at the University of Tennessee.
“It felt weird to walk on the stage without the reason I’m here today,” Parker said to the crowd.
The 38-year-old broke down in tears while closing her speech, describing her 27-year journey on the court as a destined love story.
Fellow inductee Delle Donne echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the profound highs and challenging physical lows of her own professional career.
The historic 50-40-90 club member credited her enduring perspective on life to her older sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf.
“She never played in front of thousands of people, never had a standing ovation, never been interviewed after a big win. Yet I’ve never met anyone stronger,” Delle Donne said.
Coaching greatness and collegiate legends
Rivers, who sits sixth on the all-time NBA coaching wins list with 1,194 victories, paid a tearful tribute to his inspiring brother Grady.
The ceremony also recognised the dominant 1996 United States Olympic women’s team, alongside former collegiate standout Chamique Holdsclaw.
The former college superstar anchored a pioneering Tennessee roster that secured three consecutive national titles between 1996 and 1998.
Holdsclaw used her time on stage to honour the late Pat Summitt, who guided that historic 1998 squad to an unprecedented undefeated 39-0 season.
“The one and only coach Summitt allowed me to grow as a player and person. I miss her dearly,” Holdsclaw said.