Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne lead Naismith Hall of Fame class
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 4:01 AM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
On August 15, 2026, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducted eight individuals and one team, including Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Amar’e Stoudemire. The ceremony highlighted stories of personal and professional triumphs, with significant moments shared by inductees like Chamique Holdsclaw and Doc Rivers. Rivers reflected on his coaching career and family ties, while Parker expressed gratitude to trailblazers in women's basketball. The event celebrated not only the individual achievements of the inductees but also the evolution of the sport. The new class honors contributions from both players and coaches over the years, advancing the game's legacy.
- •2026 Naismith Hall of Fame class features nine inductees.
- •Inductees include the USA women’s 1996 Olympic gold medal team.
- •Chamique Holdsclaw highlighted the importance of support from mentors.
- •Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni shared reflections on their careers.
- •Elena Delle Donne acknowledged her former teammates during her speech.
- 4:01 AMYahoo Sports — Tears, Larry David quips and more: Standout moments from Naismith Hall of Fame speeches
"On Saturday, eight individuals and one team achieved basketball immortality. The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class featured Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, the USA women’s 1996 Olympic gold medal squad, Amar’e Stoudemire, Mike D’Antoni (coach, contributor), Mark Few (coach), Doc Rivers and Joey Crawford (referee). Each of their induction stories was as distinct as the roles they played to grow the game. Here are some of the best moments from Saturday’s induction
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