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The topic of whether basketball is gay or not has been a subject of discussion and controversy within the sport. While there have been instances of homophobic comments made by public figures, such as Andrew Tate, there is also a significant presence of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities within the world of basketball. The National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA), founded in 2003, promotes the participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in basketball and has played a key role in the success of LGBTQ+ basketball events worldwide. Additionally, Jason Collins made history in 2013 as the first male player in any major American team sport to come out as gay, and there are several openly gay players in the WNBA. These individuals and organizations challenge homophobia and create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people in basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basketball players who are openly gay | Jason Collins, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Cloud, Isabelle Harrison, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Stefanie Dolson, Brittney Sykes, Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Dijonai Carrington, NaLyssa Smith, Ty Harris, Arike Ogunbowale, and 29 others |
| Basketball players rumoured to be gay | Nikola Jokic |
| Basketball players who have made homophobic comments | Andrew Tate |
| Organisations supporting LGBTQ+ basketball players | National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) |
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What You'll Learn
Jason Collins, the first male player of any major American team sport to come out as gay
In 2013, Jason Collins became the first male player of any major American team sport to come out as gay. He was a center for 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Collins was known for his leadership on and off the court and was praised for his professionalism and intelligence on the court. He was also a Christian, and his announcement was significant for LGBTQ acceptance in professional sports.
Collins' coming out was met with widespread acceptance and was hailed as a milestone in civil rights. It was hoped that his declaration would encourage other gay athletes to go public, but as of 2023, only one other active player in the major American pro leagues has come out as gay. Collins has reflected on the impact of his coming out, sharing stories of how he helped ignite conversations about sexuality and acceptance.
Before coming out, Collins was in an eight-year relationship with former WNBA center Carolyn Moos, and the two were engaged to be married. However, Collins called off the wedding in 2009. In April 2013, he came out as gay in a personal essay for Sports Illustrated, making history as the first active male athlete in the four major American pro leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL) to announce his homosexuality.
Collins' announcement was a brave step forward in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in the ultra-masculine world of professional sports. By speaking out, he inspired others and showed that being true to oneself can be a strength. Collins continues to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community, using his platform to support and empower others.
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The National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA)
The NGBA played a pivotal role in the success of the 2006 Chicago Gay Games basketball event. This event saw the introduction of four new categories in men's and women's brackets, including age-specific divisions. The first official NGBA event was hosted in Salt Lake City in October 2006, with the inaugural World Gay Basketball Championships scheduled for May 2020 in South Florida.
The NGBA provides a supportive and welcoming sporting environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Players have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the competitive yet supportive nature of the games and the opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ players across the country. The organisation fosters a sense of community, with players expressing how the NGBA has allowed them to form meaningful connections and lifelong friendships.
The NGBA's organisational board consists of Mark Chambers, Ted Cappas, Jeff Hermann, and Rob Smithermann, who helped incorporate the association in May 2005. The NGBA's inclusive mission has had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ basketball, providing a platform for individuals to participate and connect with others in a welcoming athletic environment.
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Homophobic comments made by Andrew Tate about the sport
Former kickboxer-turned-internet celebrity Andrew Tate is known for his misogynistic and violent comments, which have gotten him banned from most social media platforms. He gained notoriety for his homophobic comments about basketball, one of America's most beloved sports.
In a YouTube clip that went viral, Tate said, "Basketball is bullst." When the interviewer asked him to explain his statement, he replied, "Nahh, it's gay. Basketball is gay. Just put the ball in the net. I mean, where's the fun in that?"
Tate's comments were not only offensive to the LGBTQ+ community but also to basketball players and fans worldwide, including iconic figures like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. As a result, he faced backlash from the public, with many people disagreeing with his statement. However, Tate has established a significant following due to his controversial views and his ability to captivate audiences with his content.
Tate's statement about basketball is not an isolated incident of homophobic commentary. He has a history of making problematic and offensive statements, particularly targeting women, which has earned him the title of "King of Toxic Masculinity." His philosophy of life, which he shares through various media appearances, perpetuates a narcissistic and flawed worldview.
Andrew Tate's homophobic comments about basketball are a reflection of his broader pattern of controversial and offensive statements. While he has faced consequences for his actions, including bans from social media platforms, his influence remains significant, and his comments continue to spark outrage and debate.
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Nikola Jokic, an NBA player who was fined for using a gay slur
There have been several instances of NBA players making homophobic comments and using gay slurs, which has sparked controversy and discussions about the culture of basketball. One such incident involved Nikola Jokic, a Serbian professional basketball player and a center for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Jokic has achieved significant success in his career, including being a five-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA Team selection. He has also won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
In 2018, Jokic made headlines for a different reason. During a post-game interview after the Nuggets' overtime win against the Chicago Bulls on October 31, Jokic used a gay slur when referring to Wendell Carter Jr. of the Chicago Bulls. Specifically, he said, "He's long — uh, no homo — he's longer than you expect." The comment was deemed derogatory and offensive, reinforcing the harmful idea that there is something wrong with being gay. As a result, the NBA fined Jokic $25,000 for his use of the slur, demonstrating their zero-tolerance approach to such language.
While some may argue that Jokic's comment was mild compared to other slurs used by players, the NBA and many others recognized the importance of addressing it. Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, announced the fine, emphasizing the league's stance on such matters. This incident sparked further discussions about the culture of basketball and the importance of creating an inclusive environment, both within the NBA and among its fans.
The use of gay slurs in basketball has been a persistent issue, with several other players facing fines and suspensions for similar behavior. For example, Roy Hibbert was fined $75,000 for using the same offensive term during a press conference in 2013. Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant, and Joakim Noah have also been disciplined for using anti-gay slurs during games. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing homophobia in sports and the need for continued education and awareness to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans.
Nikola Jokic's use of a gay slur during a post-game interview resulted in a $25,000 fine from the NBA, demonstrating their commitment to upholding their values and creating an inclusive environment. While Jokic's comment may have been considered mild by some, it still caused harm and reinforced negative stereotypes. This incident serves as a reminder that there is no place for homophobia in sports and that athletes and sports organizations must be held accountable for their words and actions.
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The 44 out gay players in the WNBA
As of 2025, there are 44 out gay players in the WNBA, making up around 28% of the league. This is a notable increase from 2024, when there were 38 out gay players, and 2022, when there were 30%.
The Phoenix Mercury was the WNBA team with the most gay players in 2024, with six out of 144 players identifying as LGBTQIA+. The Connecticut Sun had three lesbian players in 2024, but only one in 2025.
Some well-known gay players in the WNBA include Brittney Griner, Sue Bird, Sheryl Swoopes, Chelsea Gray, Courtney Williams, and Napheesa Collier. Griner became the first out gay college player drafted to the WNBA when she was selected by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013. She and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed a baby boy before the 2024 Olympics.
While the WNBA has made significant progress in terms of LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance, some players have faced discrimination and negative repercussions as a result of their sexual orientation. For example, Clay Travis, a right-wing commentator, suggested that Caitlin Clark may be facing mistreatment in the league due to her heterosexuality and relationship with a former Iowa men's basketball player. However, these comments have been widely criticized as sweeping generalizations that breed homophobia and ignore the diverse range of sexual orientations within the WNBA.
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Frequently asked questions
No, basketball is not a "gay" sport. However, there are several openly gay basketball players, and the existence of the National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) may contribute to the association between basketball and the LGBTQ+ community.
Jason Collins made history when he came out as gay in 2013, becoming the first male player of any major American team sport to do so. Rumors have also circulated about the sexuality of Nikola Jokic, although he is married to a woman.
Yes, there are several openly gay players in the WNBA. A few examples include DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Cloud, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart.
The NGBA is an LGBTQ sports organization founded in 2003 by Mark Chamebrs to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender athletic participation in basketball. The organization helps LGBT players create city leagues, travel teams, and find teams to participate in LGBT basketball events worldwide.
