The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed its eight-person 2026 class on Saturday night.
Players Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and Amar’e Stoudemire were joined by coaches Doc Rivers, Mark Few, and Mike D’Antoni, and referee Joey Crawford in enshrinement.
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The ceremony was held at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, following Friday night’s red-carpet event at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Each of this year’s honorees actually received their Hall of Fame jackets Friday night.
Saturday is reserved for the inductees to not only continue to be honored but also to give speeches about their inductions as they become official.
Here is more on this year’s class of inductees and what they had to say during their inductions.
Candace Parker, 7-time WNBA All-Star
Candace Parker poses for a portrait during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement tip-off celebration and awards gala at Mohegan Sun on Aug. 14, 2026, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
Teams she played for
Los Angeles Sparks (2008-20), Chicago Sky (2021-22), Las Vegas Aces (2023)
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Career accolades
3-time WNBA champion (2016, 2021, 2023)
2-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013)
7-time WNBA All-Star (2008, 2012 to 2014, 2017, 2020, 2022)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
Only WNBA player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season
Number retired by Sparks, Sky
2008, 2012 Olympic gold medal winner with Team USA
Who presented Candace Parker?
Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, Cheryl Miller and Tamika Catchings
What she said in her induction speech
Parker talked about the expectations set for her during her childhood. She said her father told her, “Parkers don’t have the same goals and don’t have the same expectations,” meaning their family always aimed high. Parker’s brother is in the Orlando Magic front office, and her other brother became a doctor after attending Johns Hopkins.
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She talked about how Allen Iverson was one of her role models growing up, and she couldn’t believe that he was on stage with her wearing a jacket that read “Parker.”
She divided her speech into “four quarters,” going through the stages of her career. In the fourth quarter, Parker gave props to her wife for how supportive she has been throughout the end of her career and her transition into retirement.
She also talked about how, when she came into the WNBA, she played with Lisa Leslie, who seemed to pass the torch to her. When Parker left the WNBA, she said she was happy to have played with A’ja Wilson and to have had the chance to pass the torch herself.
Parker talked about her broadcast career and how she wants to continue changing the game even after her retirement from her playing career.
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Elena Delle Donne, 7-time WNBA All-Star
Elena Delle Donne warms up prior to the Skills Challenge during WNBA All-Star 2026 at Wintrust Arena on July 24, 2026, in Chicago. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox via Getty Images)
Teams she played for
Chicago Sky (2013-16), Washington Mystics (2017-19 and 2021-23)
Career accolades
2019 WNBA Champion
2-time WNBA MVP (2015, 2019)
7-time WNBA All-Star (2013-15, 2017-19, 2023)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2013)
WNBA scoring leader (2015)
2016 Olympic gold medal winner with Team USA
Best career free-throw shooting percentage in NBA, WNBA and ABA history (93.7%)
Who presented Elena Delle Donne?
Sylvia Fowles and Marianne Stanley
What she said in her induction speech
Delle Donne playfully recounted her initial commitment to UConn, but she lasted only 48 hours in a summer school program before leaving and realizing she would have to stay local for college. She opted to walk on for volleyball at Delaware and then joined their women’s basketball team.
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She then said that the best way to show her appreciation for basketball was to pen a letter to the sport. Delle Donne then recounted that letter titled “Dear Basketball.”
The forward spoke through the trials and tribulations of her life and how basketball had been interwoven with them. Delle Donne talked about her older sister, who was born blind and deaf, and how strong she always thought her sister was.
Chamique Holdsclaw, 6-time WNBA All-Star
Chamique Holdsclaw poses for a portrait during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement tip-off celebration and awards gala at Mohegan Sun on Aug. 14, 2026, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
Teams she played for
Washington Mystics (1999-2004), Los Angeles Sparks (2005-07), Atlanta Dream (2009), San Antonio Silver Stars (2010)
Career accolades
6-time WNBA All-Star (1999-2003, 2005)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (1999)
2-time WNBA rebounding champion (2002, 2003)
WNBA scoring champion (2002)
2000 Olympic gold medal with Team USA
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Who presented Chamique Holdsclaw?
Fellow Hall of Famer Magic Johnson
What she said in her induction speech
Holdsclaw spoke about her upbringing in New York, when girls weren’t allowed on the court but were expected to focus on arts and crafts instead.
The forward discussed the long journey she has made to reach this moment.
“This journey has required a competitor, a leader, a teammate, a fighter, a survivor, a believer, even when belief was hard to find.”
She made sure to give a shout-out to her former college coach Pat Summitt, who had a profound impact on Holdsclaw during her time at Tennessee.
Holdsclaw sent a message to those who may be dealing with a mental battle that others may not see.
She also had a poignant moment when she quoted Whitney Houston by saying, “I am every woman.”
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Amar’e Stoudemire, 6-time NBA All-Star
Amar’e Stoudemire speaks at the Naismith Hall of Fame press conference before the Final Four of at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
(Brett Wilhelm via Getty Images)
Teams he played for
Phoenix Suns (2002-10), New York Knicks (2010-15), Dallas Mavericks (2015), Miami Heat (2015-16)
Career accolades
6-time NBA All-Star (2005, 2007-11)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2009)
All-NBA First Team (2007)
4-time All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
Suns retired his number
2004 Olympic bronze medal with Team USA
Who presented Amar’e Stoudemire?
Stoudemire had six presenters: Jerry Colangelo, fellow inductee Mike D’Antoni, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash and Rick Welts.
What he said in his induction speech
Stoudemire began by thanking God and the Naismith Hall of Fame, while recapping his career, from his time in Lake Wells, Florida, to growing up in poverty. He fell in love with the game after seeing his cousin finish an alley-oop in a high school game.
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The forward said that he relied on basketball to help him get through any trials and tribulations, always finding his way to the court and calling basketball his “therapist.”
He talked about Tracy McGrady and the inspiration he got from the fact that he went to the same high school as McGrady, with the intention of getting drafted out of high school. Stoudemire followed the path and was the ninth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.
He recapped his career, including his international career, in which he won the sole championship of his career. Stoudemire helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the 2020 Israeli Basketball Premier League Finals.
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Doc Rivers, head coach and player
Doc Rivers poses for a portrait during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement tipoff celebration and awards gala at Mohegan Sun on Aug. 14, 2026, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
Teams he played for
Atlanta Hawks (1983-91), Los Angeles Clippers (1991-92), New York Knicks (1992-94), San Antonio Spurs (1994-96)
Teams he coached
Orlando Magic (1999-2003), Boston Celtics (2004-13), Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23), Milwaukee Bucks (2024-26)
Career accolades
As a player
NBA All-Star (1988)
As a coach
NBA Champion (2008)
NBA Cup Champion (2024)
NBA Coach of the Year (2000)
6th-most wins in NBA history (1,194)
4th-most playoff wins in NBA history (114)
First person to ever coach his son in an NBA game
Who presented Doc Rivers?
Rivers was presented by his “Big Three:” Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
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What he said in his induction speech
Rivers started his speech by saying this was not his real voice and that coaching had taken it years ago, which is why it is raspy now, making the crowd laugh.
The longtime head coach then got emotional in his speech, talking about his brother, who was in the crowd supporting him, and how they have leaned on each other since their parents both passed. Rivers later said that when he learned he was being inducted, his first call was to his brother.
Rivers then gave a shout-out to his ex-wife, Kristen, for the support she has always given. He even joked that over the years she kept a mental list of all the people that had doubted them or Rivers in his coaching.
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Mike D’Antoni, head coach
Former NBA coach Mike D’Antoni addresses the media at the 2026 Naismith Hall of Fame Announcement Press Conference at the 2026 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
(Mitchell Layton via Getty Images)
Teams he coached
Denver Nuggets (1998-99), Phoenix Suns (2003-08), New York Knicks (2008-12), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-14), Houston Rockets (2016-20)
Career accolades
2-time NBA Coach of the Year (2005, 2017)
22nd-most wins in NBA history (672)
25th-most playoff wins in NBA history (54)
Who presented Mike D’Antoni?
D’Antoni was presented by Jerry Colangelo, Bob McAdoo, Steve Nash, former NBA executive Rod Thorn, and fellow inductee Amar’e Stoudemire.
What he said in his induction speech
D’Antoni talked about how, growing up, he had two heroes in Thorn and Jerry West. He also gave a shout-out to Marshall University, where he played college basketball.
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D’Antoni then discussed the impact of playing and coaching internationally with Olimpia Milano on his career. It was with this team that he honed his coaching skills and game plan.
It was also where he met his wife, and he recounted their first date in Italy.
D’Antoni made a point of shouting out Jeremy Lin and the impact of Linsanity on the Knicks and their fans.
Mark Few, Gonzaga head coach
Mark Few talks to reporters prior to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Aug. 14, 2026, at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gonzaga tenure
Few has been the head coach at Gonzaga since 1999 and is entering his 28th season with the Bulldogs
Career accolades
AP Coach of the Year (2017)
2-time NABC Coach of the Year (2017, 2021)
2-time Naismith Coach of the Year (2017, 2021)
23-time West Coast Conference regular season champion
21-time West Coast Conference Tournament champion
19th-most college basketball wins (773)
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Who presented Mark Few?
Few was presented for enshrinement by John Stockton, John Calipari and Grant Hill.
What he said in his induction speech
Few told a story about how he was the assistant coach at the high school he attended and applied for the varsity head coaching position but wasn’t selected. It was a very “look at me now” moment as he goes into his 28th year at Gonzaga.
The head coach gave a shout-out to those who have supported him along his journey, including Stockton, Calipari, and Hill. He also gave a shout-out to his wife, calling her the MVP of the family. Few also made sure to honor his children and his parents.
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The head coach talked about how many may wonder why he is still at Gonzaga. He said, “he [Few’s father] taught me you don’t mess with happy. Sometimes the greatest calling isn’t finding the next thing; sometimes it is pouring everything you have into where you are. Hence I stayed.”
Few recalled a coaching adage that says, “It’s not about the X’s and the O’s; it’s about the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s,” and he added, “I’m just here to represent the 290 players I have had the unbelievable privilege to coach at Gonzaga.”
Joey Crawford, referee
Joey Crawford talks to the media at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Aug. 14, 2026, at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Referee tenure
Crawford was an NBA official from 1977-2016.
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Career Accolades
Officiated 2,561 regular-season games (2nd-most all time)
Officiated 374 playoff games (most all time)
Officiated 50 NBA Finals games (most all time)
Who presented Joey Crawford?
Crawford was presented by fellow referee Danny Crawford and Thorn.
What he said in his induction speech
Crawford talked about his path into becoming a referee. He discussed being drawn to the profession since his father, Shaq Crawford, was an umpire from 1956-75.
He talked about his accomplishments in the profession, including his all-time playoff games refereed and second-most regular-season games officiated. Crawford slightly misquoted Mohammed Ali by saying, “It ain’t bragging if you did it, and I did it,” and then lifted his arms triumphantly.
The 1996 U.S. Women’s National Team was also honored in this year’s class. The team included coach Tara VanDerveer and players Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley, Teresa Edwards, Rebecca Lobo, and Katrina McClain.
