Collins, who became the first openly gay player in any of North America’s major professional sports leagues, died after a battle with glioblastoma.
Jason Collins revealed his Stage 4 brain cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and travelled to Singapore for experimental treatment before returning home. His family confirmed his death in a statement released by the NBA, describing him as an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.
A 13-Year Career Built On More Than Basketball
Collins entered the NBA in 2001 after the Houston Rockets selected him 18th overall following a standout career at Stanford, where his shooting percentage of nearly 61 percent remains a school record. He spent 13 seasons across six franchises, including the New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves (2.55), Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach the NBA Finals in 2002-03 alongside then-teammate and future coach Jason Kidd.
The Brooklyn Nets described Collins as a constant in their locker room over eight seasons, calling him selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff. He was not a prolific scorer but was valued for his size, defensive presence and the character he brought to every roster he joined.
The 2013 Sports Illustrated Cover That Changed Sport
Collins came out publicly in a 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four main North American professional leagues. The announcement came while he was still an active player, which made it significant in a way that set it apart from previous disclosures by retired athletes.
He received calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama on the same day. Obama told him the decision would have a positive impact on someone he might never meet in his lifetime.
The following season, the Brooklyn Nets gave him a tryout, and he played 22 games for the club during the 2013-14 campaign. He retired in 2014, but his influence on the sport continued through his work as an NBA Cares Ambassador, a role in which he worked to foster inclusion across locker rooms, schools and communities.
His Fight With Glioblastoma
Collins disclosed his cancer diagnosis in September 2024 and gave a detailed account to ESPN in December, explaining that doctors had initially given him between six weeks and three months to live without treatment. He described his approach to the diagnosis in terms that reflected his athletic background, comparing the challenge to defending against prime Shaquille O’Neal. He chose a treatment plan designed to balance quality of life with the best chance of extending it beyond the initial prognosis.
He travelled to Singapore for experimental treatments not yet available in the United States, and those treatments proved effective enough for him to return home. He attended NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles and visited Stanford for a game before the cancer returned. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Just days before his death, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend, and his twin brother Jarron, also a former NBA player, accepted on his behalf.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins would be remembered not only for breaking barriers but for the kindness and humanity that defined his life. The National Basketball Players Association called him a global beacon of hope whose legacy of bravery and inclusion would resonate for generations. He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, Portia and Paul Collins, and his twin brother Jarron.
