2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announced

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is set to welcome an impressive class of eight members in 2026, featuring two-time WNBA MVPs Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne as its marquee inductees.

Key Inductees

This year’s induction class also recognizes the contributions of Cheryl Reeve, the long-time head coach of the Minnesota Lynx. Under her leadership since 2010, the team has achieved remarkable success, clinching four WNBA championships and securing four WNBA Coach of the Year awards.

Notable Figures in the Class

• Doris Burke: Renowned NBA analyst.
• Isabelle Fijalkowski: Celebrated international player.
• Amaya Valdemoro: Another distinguished international athlete.
• Kim Muhl: Head coach at Kirkwood Community College with over 1,000 career wins and nine national titles.
• Barbara Kennedy-Dixon: Honored posthumously, she was a two-time All-American and one of only eight players to amass over 3,000 points and 1,000 rebounds during her college career at Clemson.

Candace Parker

Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. With a successful collegiate career at Tennessee, where she led the Lady Vols to two national championships under coach Pat Summitt, Parker transcended into the WNBA, making history as the only player to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. She achieved further milestones by winning championships with three different teams, culminating in her jersey number being retired by the Los Angeles Sparks this summer.

Elena Delle Donne

Elena Delle Donne’s basketball journey began at Delaware, where she propelled her team to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2013, setting various records along the way. In the WNBA, she earned MVP accolades with both the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics. While she has not played since the 2023 season, Delle Donne recently accepted the role of managing director for the USA 3×3 women’s national team.

Cheryl Reeve

Cheryl Reeve stands as one of the most successful coaches in the annals of women’s basketball. In her tenure with the Lynx, she has guided the team to four championships and has a solid regular-season record of 364 wins against 190 losses. Notably, she also contributed to Team USA’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite a challenging season, Reeve’s team secured a franchise-record 34 wins, and she continues to advocate for her players’ interests.

Conclusion

This prestigious class exemplifies excellence in women’s basketball, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication present in the sport. As we look forward to the 2026 induction ceremony, the accomplishments of these athletes and coaches will undoubtedly inspire future generations.