RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed its eight-person 2026 class on Saturday night.
Players Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and Amar'e Stoudemire were joined by coaches Doc Rivers, Mark Few, and Mike D'Antoni, and referee Joey Crawford in enshrinement.
The ceremony was held at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, following Friday night's red carpet event at the Monhegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Each of this year's honorees actually received their Hall of Fame jackets, orange jackets, on Friday night.
Saturday is reserved for the inductees to not only continue to be honored but also to give speeches about their inductions as they become official.
Here is more on this year's class of inductees and what they had to say during their induction.
Candace Parker, 7-time All-Star F
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - AUGUST 14: Candace Parker poses for a portrait during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement tip-off celebration and awards gala at Mohegan Sun on August 14, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Elsa via Getty Images
Teams she played for
Los Angeles Sparks (2008 to 2020), Chicago Sky (2021 to 2022), Las Vegas Aces (2023).
Career Accolades
3-time WNBA champion (2016, 2021, 2023) 2-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013) 7-time WNBA All-Star (2008, 2012 to 2014, 2017, 2020, 2022) WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008) Only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season in WNBA history Number retired by Sparks, Sky 2008, 2012 Olympic gold medal winner with Team USA
Who presented Candace Parker?
Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, Cheryl Miller, and Tamika Catchings presented Candace Parker for enshrinement.
What she said in her induction speech
Parker talked about the expectations set for her during her childhood. She said her father said, "Parker's don't have the same goals and don't have the same expectations," meaning that their family always aimed high. Parker's brother is a GM with the Orlando Magic, and her other brother became a doctor after attending Johns Hopkins.
She talked about how Allen Iverson was one of her role models growing up, and she couldn't believe that he was on stage with her wearing a jacket that read "Parker."
She divided her speech into "four quarters," going through the stages of her career. In the fourth quarter, Parker gave props to her wife for how supportive she has been throughout the end of her career and her transition into retirement.
She also talked about how, when she came into the WNBA, she played with Lisa Leslie, who seemed to pass the torch to her. When Parker left the WNBA, she said she was happy to have played with A'ja Wilson and to have had the chance to pass the torch herself.
"Full circle. I came in as a rookie with Lisa Leslie and her greatness. ... And I got to pass the torch to a GOAT in A'ja Wilson on the way out." —Candace Parker 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/t7uLX6SDPs
— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2026
Parker talked about her broadcast career and how she wants to continue changing the game even after her retirement from her playing career.
Elena Delle Donne, 7-time All-Star F
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 24: Elena Delle Donne warms up prior to the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge during the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2026 at Wintrust Arena on July 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) Geoff Stellfox via Getty Images
Teams she played for
Chicago Sky (2013 to 2016), Washington Mystics (2017 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023)
Career Accolades
2019 WNBA Champion 2-time WNBA MVP (2015, 2019) 7-time WNBA All-Star (2013 to 2015, 2017 to 2019, 2023) WNBA Rookie of the Year (2013) WNBA scoring leader (2015) 2016 Olympic gold medal winner with Team USA Best career free-throw shooting percentage in NBA, WNBA, and ABA history (93.7%)
Who presented Elena Delle Donne?
Sylvia Fowles and Marianne Stanley presented Delle Donne.
What she said in her induction speech
Delle Donne playfully recounted her initial commitment to UConn, but she lasted only 48 hours in a summer school program before leaving and realizing she would have to stay local for college. She opted to walk on for volleyball at Delaware and then joined their women's basketball team.
She then said that the best way to show her appreciation for basketball was to pen a letter to the sport. Delle Donne then recounted that letter titled "Dear Basketball."
The forward spoke through the trials and tribulations of her life and how basketball had been interwoven into them. Delle Donne talked about her older sister, who was born blind and deaf, and how strong she always thought her sister was.
Her strength. Her inspiration. Her big sister 🧡 Elena Delle Donne shares a heartfelt tribute to her sister Lizzie and the strength she’s carried with her throughout her journey! pic.twitter.com/b6I0L0xDd9
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 16, 2026
Chamique Holdsclaw, 6-time All-Star F
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - AUGUST 14: Chamique Holdsclaw poses for a portrait during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement tip-off celebration and awards gala at Mohegan Sun on August 14, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Elsa via Getty Images
Teams she played for
Washington Mystics (1999 to 2004), Los Angeles Sparks (2005 to 2007), Atlanta Dream (2009), San Antonio Silver Stars (2010)
Career Accolades
6-time WNBA All-Star (1999 to 2003, 2005) WNBA Rookie of the Year (1999) 2-time WNBA rebounding champion (2002, 2003) WNBA s...
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