Jason Collins, Pioneering NBA Player and First Openly Gay Athlete in Major Sports, Dies at 47

Jason Collins, the basketball pioneer who shattered barriers as the first openly gay player in the NBA, has died. He was 47.

Collins passed away on Tuesday, May 12, following a battle with brain cancer, according to a statement from his family. He died peacefully at his home.

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," the family said. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. 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."

Collins revealed his Stage 4 glioblastoma diagnosis in November 2025 and subsequently traveled to Singapore during the winter months to pursue experimental treatment options.

A Historic Coming Out

In 2013, Collins became the first athlete across any of the four major professional sports leagues—the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL—to publicly come out as gay while actively competing. He retired from professional basketball in 2014, concluding a 13-year career in the NBA.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement to ESPN reflecting on Collins' legacy. "His 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," Silver said. "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."

Survived by Husband and Producer

Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, an Oscar-nominated film producer recognized for his work on projects including The Help and Regretting You. The two met shortly after Collins' public coming out.

In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Collins recounted their initial encounter. "We first met at a housewarming party last June, but I was dating someone else at the time. Fast forward to September, I'm single again, and I see him at a party in L.A. So we exchange information because he was leaving for Europe the next day. But while he was gone, I was asking everyone: Have you heard of this guy? The background check," he said.

The couple married in May 2025.