Jason Collins gives $1.8 M to family, husband & LGBTQ charities.

NBA legend Jason Collins, known as the league’s first openly gay player, died on May 12, 2026, after a battle with brain cancer.

A court filing obtained in August 2026 shows that Collins had already prepared a will in October 2025, outlining how his assets would be distributed.

The documents list an estate of personal property worth more than $1.8 million, with the will naming his aunt Teri as executor and listing his husband William Green and brother Jarron Collins as alternates. Beneficiaries include Collins’s parents, brother, cousin, husband, and aunt.

The will also specifies that any assets held in private trusts should be liquidated to maximize the distribution to beneficiaries.

## Estate Details and Executor

The will details personal effects—including jewelry, watches, silverware, clothing, cars and other belongings—to be handled . That note instructs the executor to distribute each item based on the preferences recorded by Collins during a private consultation with his legal team.

Although the declared assets exceed $1.8 million, court documents note that additional holdings may exist in private trusts that are not reflected in the public estate valuation. The documents indicate that these trusts could hold significant portions of Collins’s financial assets, though their exact value remains undisclosed.

Beneficiaries named in the will include:

- Collins’s parents - Brother Jarron Collins - Cousin Liza Miller - Husband William Green - Aunt Teri Sullivan

The will also designates **Glisten** and **Point Foundation** as beneficiaries for charitable contributions. Both organizations focus on supporting LGBTQ+ students in higher education, offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy resources.

## Legacy and Final Years

Collins first made headlines in 2013 when he publicly announced his sexual orientation, becoming the NBA’s first openly gay player. His announcement was a watershed moment that sparked widespread conversation about LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports.

Fans worldwide celebrated his courage, and many athletes later cited Collins as an inspiration for coming out.

After retiring from playing in 2015, Collins remained an outspoken advocate for equality. He joined the NBA Players Association’s diversity committee, worked with the league’s inclusion initiatives, and served as a mentor to young athletes navigating personal identity and professional pressure.

In May 2025, just months before signing the will, Collins married his husband William Green in a quiet ceremony in Los Angeles. The couple had been partners for several years, sharing a deep commitment that extended beyond public headlines.

Their partnership was often highlighted as an example of healthy representation for LGBTQ couples in sports.

### Fan Reaction

When news of Collins’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the basketball world:

- Former teammates and coaches reflected on his leadership both on and off the court. - Fans shared memories of his calm demeanor during high‑pressure games and his willingness to talk openly about mental health. - LGBTQ community leaders highlighted how Collins’s visibility helped destigmatize homosexuality in sports, noting a measurable increase in youth coming out after his announcement.

### Industry Impact

Collins’s legacy reverberated through the NBA and beyond:

- **Policy Changes**: The league tightened its anti‑harassment policies and added a “sexual orientation” category to its inclusivity training modules. - **Player Support**: The NBA Players Association launched a scholarship fund for LGBTQ athletes, . - **Visibility Metrics**:

Studies published in 2025 showed a 23 % rise in LGBTQ‑friendly sponsorships for professional basketball teams after Collins’s announcement, illustrating the commercial benefits of inclusivity.

## Looking Forward

Collins’s careful planning ensures that both his loved ones and the causes he championed will carry forward his legacy. The estate’s distribution reflects his lifelong commitment to family, partners, and the broader community that supported him throughout a pioneering career.

His contributions—on the court, in the locker room, and in the public eye—continue to shape a more inclusive future for athletes everywhere.