This Just Dropped: Two WNBA Legends and a Hall of Fame Coach Get Their Call

It's official: Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne are heading to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. And they're bringing some major company with them. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that the Class of 2026 is loaded, and it includes some names that should have basketball fans everywhere buzzing right now.

Parker's Resume Is Actually Insane

Candace Parker just became the latest legend to get the call, and honestly, when you look at what she's accomplished, it feels overdue. She's the only player in WNBA history to win championships with three different franchises: the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. That alone should tell you everything you need to know about her impact. But there's more. Parker is also the only player ever to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, which she did way back in 2008. Beyond the WNBA, she won two national championships at Tennessee, took home two Olympic Gold medals, and earned two WNBA MVP awards. Oh, and she won the dunk contest at the McDonald's All American Game in high school. Yeah, she's been special from day one.

Delle Donne Made History, Rivers Got Here Through Coaching Greatness

Elena Delle Donne is joining Parker in Springfield, and for good reason. She's a two-time league MVP (2015 and 2019), and she pulled off something nobody else in WNBA history has done: finished a season shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free throw line. She won a title with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and led them there as a champion.

Doc Rivers, the current Milwaukee Bucks coach, is also getting inducted. The guy has 1,191 coaching wins and counting, which puts him eighth all-time. He won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and coached the Lob City era LA Clippers. That's a Hall of Fame resume if there ever was one.

Stoudemire Completes the Class

Amar'e Stoudemire rounds out the 2026 class. The former NBA star was the 2003 Rookie of the Year after jumping straight from high school to the league, then became a six-time All-Star. He spent his first eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he formed an absolute pick-and-roll nightmare with Steve Nash. His 14-year NBA career also took him to New York, Dallas, and Miami.

The formal enshrinement ceremonies happen in August in Springfield, Massachusetts. This class is legit.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.