Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees
The 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class has been revealed, with three towering figures of the game Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Cheryl Reeve—headlining the list of honorees.
Joining them are Isabelle Fijalkowski of France and Amaya Valdemoro of Spain, Kim Muhl of Kirkwood Community College, Barbara Kennedy-Dixon, and longtime ESPN analyst Doris Burke. The induction ceremony is scheduled for June 27, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Hall of Fame President Dana Hart praised the class, calling them “eight distinguished legends” who “exemplify the highest standards in women’s basketball and have made substantial contributions to the sport, along with shaping the game’s historical trajectory.”
Candace Parker, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, captured three championships with three different teams and earned two Olympic gold medals. Her career redefined versatility in women’s basketball, and her transition into sports commentary has only broadened her influence.
Elena Delle Donne, who announced her retirement earlier this year, leaves behind a legacy of grace and dominance. The two-time WNBA MVP and seven-time All-Star led the Washington Mystics to their first championship in 2019. Recently, she took on a new challenge as national team director for USA Basketball’s 3-on-3 program.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Reeve, head coach and general manager of the Minnesota Lynx, has been a fixture of excellence for over a decade. She guided the Lynx to four WNBA titles, collected four Coach of the Year awards, and earned Executive of the Year honors twice. Her success extended to the international stage, leading Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Beyond the U.S., Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro are being recognized for their international impact. Both helped grow women’s basketball in Europe and represented their nations on Olympic and world championship stages.
Kim Muhl, whose powerhouse Kirkwood Community College teams have won multiple NJCAA titles, and Barbara Kennedy-Dixon, a collegiate star who remains among the NCAA’s all-time scoring leaders, round out the class.
Finally, Doris Burke—a pioneer in basketball broadcasting—will be inducted for her trailblazing career in sports media, becoming one of the first women to serve as a national NBA game analyst.
