Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has died
13 may 2026 в 17:13
Jason Collins made history in the NBA as the first openly gay player in the league. After he announced his orientation in April 2013, the late center of the basketball team met the love of his life—his husband, Branson Green. However, shortly after their wedding, Jason passed away after battling stage 4 glioblastoma.
«With heavy hearts, we announce that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has passed away after a courageous fight with glioblastoma», - the statement from Jason’s family, published by the NBA in May 2026, read. «Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and became an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the love and prayers shown over the past eight months, as well as for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also expressed his condolences to Jason’s husband and family in his statement, noting that the late athlete’s impact «extended far beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations».
«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.
Learn more about Jason’s husband and their marriage here.
As mentioned, Jason’s husband is Branson Green, a film producer who has worked on projects such as «The Help».
Jason and Branson first met in mid-2013 at a housewarming party. At that time, Jason was dating someone else, so they ultimately reconnected and began dating later that same year.
Jason and Branson were together for over ten years before marrying in May 2025. Unfortunately, about six months after their wedding, Jason announced his diagnosis—glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
A year after their wedding, in May 2026, Jason passed away
«With heavy hearts, we announce that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has passed away after a courageous fight with glioblastoma», - the statement from Jason’s family, published by the NBA in May 2026, read. «Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and became an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the love and prayers shown over the past eight months, as well as for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also expressed his condolences to Jason’s husband and family in his statement, noting that the late athlete’s impact «extended far beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations».
«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.
Learn more about Jason’s husband and their marriage here.
As mentioned, Jason’s husband is Branson Green, a film producer who has worked on projects such as «The Help».
Jason and Branson first met in mid-2013 at a housewarming party. At that time, Jason was dating someone else, so they ultimately reconnected and began dating later that same year.
Jason and Branson were together for over ten years before marrying in May 2025. Unfortunately, about six months after their wedding, Jason announced his diagnosis—glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
A year after their wedding, in May 2026, Jason passed away
© Puhova Marina
