Former professional basketball player Jason Collins, the first NBA player to publicly come out as gay, has passed away at the age of 47, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, as reported by his family and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Collins announced his diagnosis last year and underwent treatment to combat the progression of the terminal disease.

"Jason Collins' influence extended far beyond basketball, as he helped the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community become more inclusive and welcoming for future generations," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated.

"Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched many others," Silver added.

In December 2025, Collins shared that cancer was discovered after he experienced concentration difficulties. The brain tumor, he described as a "monster with tentacles spreading down the back of my brain, as wide as a baseball."

Doctors told Collins he would live for up to three months without treatment. When he revealed his diagnosis, he stated it reminded him of coming out as gay in 2013 in an article for Sports Illustrated. The years following were the "best of his life."

"Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, without fear of being who you are, publicly or privately. That's who I am. That's what I deal with," he shared.

Collins was treated with a drug called Avastin to slow the tumor's growth and traveled to Singapore for targeted chemotherapy. Born in California, he started his career at Stanford University before entering the NBA. Over 13 seasons, he played for six teams, beginning with the New Jersey Nets and later moving through Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, and returning to the Nets after they relocated to Brooklyn. He was also listed as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Collins retired in 2014.

"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 said.

The Nets expressed their sorrow at Collins' passing, stating that he played eight seasons with the team, helping to define an era of their franchise history and contributing to their consecutive Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003.

"Those who were around Jason every day knew him not only as an athlete, but as a truly kind, attentive person who brought people together. His influence extended far beyond the court, and his bravery and authenticity helped the game – and the world – move forward."

Former Stanford University basketball coach Mike Montgomery told American media that this was a "sad day" and that Collins was one of the "giants" of that university.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. It can occur at any age but is most frequently seen in older individuals. Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor forms in the brain and may include seizures or changes in thinking, speech, vision, strength, sensation, or balance. While treatments can potentially slow tumor growth, there is no known cure.