Pride celebrations in New York City began with inspiration and celebration as the 2026 LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame Induction Gala welcomed athletes, advocates, and supporters to Sony Hall on June 25.
Hosted by journalist Nick McCarvel, the annual event recognized individuals whose contributions have advanced equality, representation, and inclusion in sports. Throughout the evening, inductees reflected on their careers and shared heartfelt acceptance speeches that highlighted the importance of visibility and perseverance.
(Courtesy LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame Gala)
The gala opened with a red carpet where various outlets interviewed both guests and honorees who spoke highly of the event and what it meant for the collective voice of the LGBTQ community. Among those inducted were veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy, former women’s rugby star and mixed martial artist Phaidra Knight, longtime high school basketball coach and athletic director Anthony Nicodemo, former NFL offensive lineman Ryan O’Callaghan, Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, former New York Liberty All-Star Sue Wicks, and journalist, author, and coach Dan Woog.
(Courtesy LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame Gala)
Several honorees who could not attend in person participated through video messages, including women’s baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair and Olympian Nikki Hiltz. Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America and former sports broadcaster, also shared a message of appreciation.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Glenn Burke Award for Advocacy and Activism to former NBA player Jason Collins. Named after Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to publicly come out as gay after his playing career, the award recognizes outstanding leadership in advancing LGBTQ inclusion. Collins received a standing ovation following a tribute video produced by the NBA celebrating both his basketball career and his commitment to community advocacy.
(Courtesy LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame Gala)
The Hall of Fame also presented its Trailblazer Award to Crave, Canada’s largest homegrown streaming platform, for its efforts to increase LGBTQ visibility through original programming, including the acclaimed series Heated Rivalry and the upcoming comedy SLO Pitch. Representatives from Bell Media accepted the honor on the company’s behalf.
During the ceremony, Hall of Fame Chair Scott Bova announced that the 2027 LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame Awards Gala will return to Chicago, where the organization was founded in 2013.
Originally established as the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame, the organization continues to recognize athletes, coaches, executives, advocates, and organizations whose leadership has expanded inclusion and inspired future generations in sports.
