Jason Collins Has Died at 47 After Battle With Stage 4 Glioblastoma
It has been a very tough day for the NBA community. A day of loss, a day of reflection on two players who are now gone, way too soon. On Tuesday, the Grizzlies announced their loss while shortly later the National Basketball Association confirmed that NBA veteran Jason Collins has died at 47 years old after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. Collins played 13 years in the NBA.
Collins, a native of Northridge, Calif., began his NBA career in 2001 when he was drafted by the Houston Rockets. He made his NBA debut with the New Jersey Nets, playing in the NBA Finals at the end of his first season. Collins later played with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. Jason was also the first active, openly gay player in NBA history.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of NBA Cares Ambassador and former NBA player Jason Collins:
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.
“On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
Jason Collins family added,
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” his family continued. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
In September 2025, the NBA and Collins’ family said he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Three months later, Collins shared in an ESPN essay that he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, “one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.” Less than a year later and Collins sadly has lost his battle.
Jason Collins Has Died at 47 After Battle With Stage 4 Glioblastoma
The Brooklyn Nets, a team that Jason spent over half a decade with, also released a statement Tuesday evening regarding Collins’ passing. The organization stated,
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker room – selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike.
Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game – and the world – forward.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jason will always be a part of the Nets family, and he will be deeply missed.”
During Game 5 of the San Antonio versus Minnesota series; the Spurs showed tributes for both Collins and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke. Clarke’s passing was announced just hours before Collins. Clarke was just 29. Our thoughts are with the Collins and Clarke families at this time.
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