The game’s elite are welcoming a legendary trio as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 takes shape. 

According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, a group of iconic figures—including a powerhouse Two-time  WNBA champion Candace Parker,  a dominant NBA big Amar'e Stoudemire , and championship-winning coach Doc Rivers are headed to Springfield.

Parker is regarded as one of the greatest to ever lace them up. From the moment she entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick for the Los Angeles Sparks, she was a walking highlight reel. The versatile forward made history instantly, becoming the first player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Over a storied 16-year career, the two-time champion remained a perennial threat, earning a second MVP trophy in 2013 and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Her legacy as a point-forward who could do it all has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Joining her in this elite fraternity is the explosive big man who redefined the power forward position during the "Seven Seconds or Less" era in Phoenix. Much like his fellow inductee, the Florida native burst onto the scene as a Rookie of the Year. During his nine seasons with the Suns, the six-time All-Star was an absolute force at the rim, notably averaging 26 points and nearly nine rebounds during the 2004-05 campaign. After the Suns retired his No. 32 jersey in 2024, this induction serves as the ultimate validation for a player who remained a top-tier MVP candidate throughout his prime in both Phoenix and New York.

Rounding out this specific group of legends is Rivers, whose impact spans nearly four decades as both a player and a leader on the sidelines. While he was a successful floor general for 13 seasons, his Hall of Fame resume is anchored by his brilliance as a head coach. Currently leading the Milwaukee Bucks, the veteran play-caller is best known for guiding the Boston Celtics to a title in 2008. With over 1,100 career victories, he currently sits sixth on the all-time wins list, boasting a career winning percentage of .580 over 27 seasons of coaching excellence.

The official announcement is slated for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place between Aug. 14 and Aug. 15.