Canada Basketball has officially opened nominations for the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, giving fans and members of the basketball community an opportunity to recognize the people who have made a lasting impact on the sport.
Nominations are now being accepted, and those interested in putting forward a candidate have until March 27, 2026 to submit their entry.
The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame honours individuals and teams who have helped grow and strengthen the game of basketball in Canada and around the world. Each class celebrates athletes, coaches, officials, media members, and other key contributors who have played an important role in the sport’s development.
Celebrating Basketball History in Canada
The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame has been recognizing outstanding contributions to the game since 1978. Over the years, the Hall has highlighted players and supporters who have helped shape basketball at both the national and international level.
For the 2026 class, the induction ceremony will return to its biennial format, meaning the celebration will take place every two years with a live event honouring the newest members of the Hall of Fame.
In a historic move, the next ceremony will take place in Atlantic Canada for the first time. The event will be held in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, in partnership with the World’s Oldest Basketball Court, a unique and historic location that reflects the deep roots of the sport in Canada.
The only other time the ceremony was hosted outside Ontario was in Vancouver in 2007. Canada Basketball has also shared plans to bring the event back to the West Coast in 2028, ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A Celebration of the Game Across the Country
Paul Jones, Chair of the Canada Basketball Awards and Recognition Committee, says hosting the ceremony in Atlantic Canada highlights how the sport connects communities across the country.
According to Jones, basketball has strong roots in Canada, from school gyms and community courts to the international stage. Bringing the Hall of Fame ceremony to New Brunswick reflects the organization’s commitment to celebrating the sport in every region of the country.
The event will recognize the achievements of Canadian basketball while also celebrating the passion and pride that unite players, fans, and communities nationwide.
Part of a Major Basketball Weekend
The Hall of Fame ceremony will kick off the fifth annual Archie Weekend, a special fundraising event that supports the restoration and preservation of the World’s Oldest Basketball Court.
The weekend will feature several activities designed to celebrate basketball and bring the community together, including:
- A celebrity golf tournament at the Algonquin Golf Course in St. Andrews
- An evening showcasing local food, entertainment, and community celebration
- Guided tours of the historic basketball court in St. Stephen
- A youth basketball clinic and 3×3 tournament led by former Canadian national team players and special guests
Organizers say the weekend will combine sport, history, and community spirit in a way that highlights the importance of the historic court and the legacy of Canadian basketball.
New Brunswick Welcomes the Event
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says the province is excited to welcome Canada Basketball and the Hall of Fame ceremony to Atlantic Canada.
Hosting the event near the historic court in St. Stephen gives the province an opportunity to celebrate the athletes and leaders who have shaped the sport while also showcasing New Brunswick’s communities and basketball culture.
The ceremony is expected to bring players, fans, and visitors from across the country to the region for a unique celebration of Canadian sport.
Who Can Be Nominated
The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes people and teams who have achieved excellence and made meaningful contributions to the sport.
Nominees may fall into several categories:
- Athletes who achieved outstanding success at the amateur or professional level
- Teams that delivered exceptional results representing Canada or a Canadian organization
- Coaches who helped develop and train athletes at a high level
- Officials who demonstrated excellence as referees in major competitions
- Builders who helped grow and promote the sport through leadership or development
- Media members who made a lasting impact on basketball through journalism, broadcasting, photography, or storytelling
To be eligible, nominees must either be Canadian citizens, born in Canada, or have made a significant contribution to basketball in Canada.
Canada Basketball also encourages nominations that reflect the country’s diversity, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and individuals from all backgrounds.
Recent Hall of Fame Inductees
The most recent class of inductees included several influential figures in Canadian basketball.
The 2024 Hall of Fame class featured:
- Coach Allison McNeill
- Athlete Karl Tilleman
- Athlete Carol Turney Loos
- The 1979 FIBA Women’s World Cup Team
Their induction ceremony took place in August 2025 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. Later that evening, the inductees were also honoured during halftime of the Canada vs. Japan U23 men’s game at GLOBL JAM 2025, giving fans a national stage to celebrate their achievements.
Nominations Now Open
Canada Basketball is encouraging members of the basketball community and the public to submit nominations for individuals or teams who deserve recognition.
Eligible nominations can be submitted by:
- Canada Basketball Board members
- Canada Basketball Class A or Class B members
- Hall of Fame selection panel members or the Veterans Committee
- Members of the public
With the nomination process now underway, basketball fans across Canada have the chance to help honour the people who have shaped the sport and inspired future generations.