Jason Collins to Posthumously Receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage

Jason Collins, the trailblazing center who fundamentally altered the landscape of American sports by becoming the NBA's first openly gay active player, will be posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2026 ESPYS. The announcement arrives just weeks after Collins passed away at the age of 47 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.[1]

The Arthur Ashe Award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in sports, bestowed annually upon individuals who exhibit extraordinary strength in the face of adversity and a willingness to stand up for their beliefs regardless of the personal cost. Named for the legendary tennis player and humanitarian, the award recognizes those whose impact echoes far beyond the field of play.[2]

Collins' twin brother, Jarron—also a former NBA player and current coach—will accept the award on his behalf during the July 15 ceremony in New York City. In a statement released Monday, Jarron described the moment as profoundly bittersweet. "It is deeply meaningful to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on my brother's behalf, celebrating a legacy of visibility, strength, and love that will endure forever," he said.[1]

The honor serves as a capstone to a life defined by quiet professionalism and sudden, historic bravery. After concluding the 2012–13 NBA season, Collins penned a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated announcing that he was gay. The revelation made him the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to publicly come out, instantly transforming him into a global symbol of inclusion.[3]

He returned to the court in February 2014, signing with the Brooklyn Nets and receiving standing ovations from crowds across the country. His number 98 jersey—chosen in honor of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student murdered in 1998—quickly became the top-selling jersey on the NBA's official store, reflecting the immense public support for his milestone.[4]

Following his retirement in 2014, Collins transitioned into a role as an NBA Cares Ambassador. He traveled extensively, speaking to youth groups, corporate audiences, and fellow athletes about the importance of authenticity and creating welcoming environments in locker rooms. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that Collins' influence extended far beyond basketball, helping to make the larger sports community more inclusive for future generations.[1][3]

Collins approached his final challenge with the same transparency that defined his public life. Diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in late 2025, he chose to share his cancer journey openly. He detailed his symptoms, including brain fog and memory decline, and spoke candidly about his prognosis in hopes of advancing public understanding and comforting others facing similar diagnoses.

Despite undergoing radiation and specialized chemotherapy in Singapore, the cancer ultimately returned, and Collins passed away at his Los Angeles home on May 12, surrounded by his family. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sports and political worlds, underscoring the breadth of his impact.[3]

At the upcoming ESPYS, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, Collins will join a distinguished fraternity of Arthur Ashe Award recipients. Recent honorees include the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, former NFL player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason, and the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse survivors.[1]

The ceremony will also recognize former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and Scott Ruskan with the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Yet for many in the basketball community, the night will belong to Collins—a player who spent 13 seasons doing the gritty, unglamorous work in the paint, only to step into the brightest possible spotlight to ensure others wouldn't have to hide.[1][2]