Determining the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 isn’t going to be easy, at least judging by the list of eligible candidates released by the organization Friday.
Among the more notable names included for the first time are Jamal Crawford, Mike D’Antoni, Elena Delle Donne, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Candace Parker, Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson, who join returning candidates Marv Albert, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, and Amar’e Stoudemire.
The list is much longer than that, however. Additional candidates include Rick Barnes, Anfernee Hardaway, Robert Horry, Kevin Johnson, Bill Laimbeer, Shawn Marion, Marian Washington, Mike Fratello, Curly Neal and Marc Gasol.
The entire 1996 USA Basketball Women’s National Team is also up for consideration.
“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame John L. Doleva said. “Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognizes those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”
Finalists will be announced on Feb. 9, with the final 2026 class released on April 4. Enshrinement weekend begins Friday, Aug. 14.
All first-time nominees:
Jamal Crawford
Blake Griffin
Herman Harried
Joe Johnson
Paul Mihalak
Tom Murphy
Bruce Pearl
Brandon Roy
Kelvin Sampson
Scott Skiles
Shelden Williams
1996 United States Women’s National Team
Lynn Norenberg Barry
Elena Delle Donne
Candace Parker
Tom Shirley
Michelle Snow
Mike D’Antoni
Elmo Mahoney
Ken Mahoney
Alex McKechnie
Ermer Robinson
Patsy Neal
Rosie Walker
Frank J. Basloe
Roger Kaiser
Larry Kenon
–Field Level Media
