Candace Parker to Lead 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductees
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, will headline the 2026 class of inductees into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, announced today, October 31, 2025. Joining Parker in this prestigious group are fellow basketball luminaries Elena Delle Donne, Isabelle Fijalkowski, and Amaya Valdemoro.
The proclamation recognizes a quartet of athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport, both domestically and internationally.This incoming class represents a diverse range of contributions, from dominant on-court performances to groundbreaking achievements in broadcasting and coaching.the induction ceremony is slated to take place in 2026, celebrating careers defined by skill, leadership, and a commitment to elevating women’s basketball.
Parker’s selection acknowledges a career spanning the WNBA, where she earned Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, and the international stage, including a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Delle Donne,a five-time WNBA All-Star,brings a legacy of scoring prowess and advocacy for athletes. Fijalkowski, a celebrated international player, and Valdemoro, a Spanish national team icon, represent the global reach and growing prominence of women’s basketball.
Also inducted will be veteran broadcaster Doris Burke, recognized for her pioneering work as the first woman to serve as a full-time NBA analyst on ESPN’s lead broadcast team. Burke’s three-decade career has broken barriers and inspired generations of sports journalists.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, was established in 1999 to honor the achievements of women’s basketball players, coaches, and contributors. This 2026 class further solidifies the Hall’s mission to preserve the history and celebrate the future of the sport.
