The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame revealed its class of 21 finalists for 2026, highlighting a mix of NBA legends, coaching icons, international contributors and historic teams eligible for enshrinement this year. Former NBA star Blake Griffin, WNBA great Candace Parker and veteran coach Doc Rivers headline the list – with the final inductees set to be announced on April 4 during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis. 

The announcement underscores the broad scope of basketball’s influence, spanning players, coaches, teams and contributors whose careers helped shape the sport at every level. This year’s group reflects not just individual excellence in the NBA and WNBA, but also international impact and historic achievements that extended across decades. 

Star players and historic teams among finalists

Leading the field on the player front are NBA standouts such as Blake Griffin, a six-time All-Star whose athleticism helped redefine the modern power forward role, and Amar’e Stoudemire, the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and perennial All-Star. Former Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat frontcourt force Stoudemire joins Griffin as a first-time finalist. 

On the women’s side, Candace Parker – a two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion – headlines the group alongside players like Elena Delle Donne and the 1996 United States Women’s National Team, the latter of which remains one of the most iconic squads in U.S. basketball history. 

Coaches, contributors and international figures in consideration

The coaching ranks are represented by high-impact figures including Doc Rivers, who led the 2008 Boston Celtics to an NBA championship and has accumulated more than 1,175 wins over a 27-year career, and Kelvin Sampson, whose 37-year coaching journey spans deep NCAA Tournament runs and consistent program building. 

Also in the mix are Mark Few, the Gonzaga head coach known for transforming the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse, and longtime NBA referee Joey Crawford, adding officiating excellence to the finalist roster. International and contributor categories include figures such as Dušan Ivković, Tal Brody and Mike D’Antoni – reflecting global influence and strategic contributions to the game. 

What’s next before enshrinement

Finalists will now be considered by the Hall of Fame’s Honors Committee, which will determine the official Class of 2026. The selection will be publicly announced on April 4 – the Saturday of the NCAA Men’s Final Four – and formal enshrinement is scheduled for August 15 at the Hall’s home in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

For many nominees, reaching finalist status represents a culmination of Hall-of-Fame worthy careers – from multifaceted stars who dominated on both ends of the court, to coaches whose leadership shaped generations, and teams whose collective legacy lives on in basketball lore.