Hall of Fame Reveals 2026 Finalists; NBPA Picks Kelly; Expansion Vote Eyed for Summer
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Springfield, MA, Feb. — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has released its list of finalists for the Class of 2026. The Honors Committee will vote on the candidates before the new class is unveiled on April 4 during the men’s Final Four weekend.
North American Committee
The panel advanced referee Joey Crawford; coaches Mark Few, Gary McKnight, Dick Motta, Doc Rivers, Kelvin Sampson and Jerry Welsh; and former NBA players Blake Griffin, Kevin Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire and Buck Williams.
Women’s Categories
The Women’s Committee named the 1996 U.S. Women’s National Team alongside players Jennifer Azzi, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and Candace Parker. Molly Bolin-Kazmer is the sole finalist from the Women’s Veterans Committee.
International, Veterans and Contributors
Serbian coach Dušan Ivković moved forward from the International Committee, while former NBA star Marques Johnson is the lone Veterans Committee nominee. The Contributors Committee listed Tal Brody and Mike D’Antoni.
NBPA Leadership Change
The NBA Players Association’s Board of Player Representatives unanimously elected David Kelly as the union’s next executive director. Kelly, currently the NBPA’s managing director and general counsel, will succeed Andre Iguodala when the latter’s term ends in July.
Expansion Timeline
The league’s Board of Governors is expected to consider expansion this summer, according to multiple reports. Seattle and Las Vegas remain the leading candidates. Additional data will be reviewed at the spring meeting before any formal vote.
League Investigations
An in-depth report details how law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz has handled NBA investigations since 2007, covering matters ranging from ownership issues to workplace conduct.
All-Star Saturday Events
All-Star weekend continues with the Three-Point Contest, Shooting Stars—returning for the first time since 2015—and the Slam Dunk Contest. Former champions Damian Lillard and Devin Booker headline the eight-player three-point field. Shooting Stars replaces the Skills Challenge on this year’s schedule.
Source: Hoops Rumors
