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Candace Parker Headlines Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Nominees
20 Dec
Summary
- Candace Parker, Blake Griffin, and Kelvin Sampson are first-time Hall of Fame eligibles.
- The 1996 USA Basketball women's national team also became eligible this year.
- Finalists will be announced soon, with the class enshrined in August 2026.
Candace Parker, a decorated three-time WNBA champion, is now eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the first time. She is joined by other notable first-time candidates, including five-time All-NBA forward Blake Griffin and three-time Final Four head coach Kelvin Sampson, for the Class of 2026. The Hall of Fame revealed the list of eligible individuals on Friday.
The eligible group also notably includes the 1996 USA Basketball women's national team, as well as prominent figures like Mike D'Antoni, Jamal Crawford, Elena Delle Donne, Joe Johnson, and Bruce Pearl. These candidates have each left a profound mark on basketball through their performances, leadership, and achievements that have elevated the sport globally.
