Jason Collins, who etched his name into history in 2013 as the first active male athlete in North America’s four major professional leagues to publicly come out as gay, has passed away at the age of 47. His family confirmed on Tuesday that the former center died following a courageous and resilient battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
What Was Jason Collins’ Cause of Death?
Collins had been transparent about his health struggles over the past year, revealing in September 2025 that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor before later disclosing the severity of his stage-four diagnosis.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a valiant fight,” his family shared in a statement. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
NBA’s First Openly Gay Player
Collins made headlines in 2013 when he became the first active male athlete in one of North America’s four major professional sports leagues to publicly come out as gay.
The center played 13 seasons in the NBA. He was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 draft then was traded to the then-New Jersey Nets on draft night. He also had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
Collins helped the Nets reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 alongside teammates Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.
BREAKING: Jason Collins has passed away after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, his family announced.
Collins was the first active, openly gay player in NBA history. He was 47 years old.
Condolences to his family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/u60dtomEqO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 12, 2026
After a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated disclosing he was gay, Collins received widespread support across the sports world, including from then-U.S. President Barack Obama.
“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. “Our family will miss him dearly.”
Arn Tellem, Collins‘ former agent and current vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, said the former player’s decision to come out changed lives.
“Jason‘s legacy stands as a beacon for tolerance, dignity, respect, inclusion, compassion, and understanding,” Tellem said in a statement. “He left this world better than he found it.”
Jason Collins: NBA Career Snapshot
| Drafted | 18th Overall (2001) |
| NBA Seasons | 13 |
| Games Played |
735 |
| Total Points |
2,621 |
| Key Achievement | 2x NBA Finalist (2002, 2003) |
| Record | First openly gay active player in major US sports (2013) |
Jason Collins Net Worth:
At the time of his passing in May 2026, Jason Collins’ net worth was estimated to be approximately $14 – 16 million (not officially confirmed). The bulk of his wealth was built during a highly successful 13-season NBA career, where he earned an estimated $34 million in total salary. Beyond his playing days, Collins bolstered his financial standing through his work as a global ambassador for the NBA, keynote speaking engagements, and various advocacy roles.
(With inputs from Reuters)
