Elena Delle Donne delivers heartfelt tribute to sister in Hall of Fame speech

Elena Delle Donne was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 16, 2026, where she paid tribute to her sister, Lizzie. In a deeply personal speech, Delle Donne highlighted the significant impact Lizzie, who is deaf and blind and has faced various challenges, has had on her life and career. She noted Lizzie's strength and how their relationship motivated her career choices, including her decision to leave UConn for the University of Delaware. The speech emphasized the redefinition of greatness in Delle Donne's life, illustrating that true strength and victory can often occur away from the spotlight. This induction marks another milestone in Delle Donne’s storied career as she reflects on her journey.

• 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — As she was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Elena Delle Donne celebrated her family and expressed her definition of greatness
• 10:31 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I Have Never Met Anyone Stronger’ — Elena Delle Donne Gets Emotional While Paying Tribute to Deaf, Blind Sister in HOF Speech
• 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — Elena Delle Donne honors sister in emotional Hall of Fame speech