Jason Collins will posthumously be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS in July. Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, pioneered inclusion and served as an ambassador for the league. He died May 12 at 47 after a brain tumor. His twin brother Jarron will accept the honor.

Before his death, Collins shared his cancer journey publicly, offering insight to others facing similar diagnoses. The award, given to those who fight for what they believe in beyond sport, will be presented by Marcello Hernández, comedian from Saturday Night Live, during the ABC broadcast from New York on July 15. The ESPYS will also stream on ESPN+.

Past recipients include USA Gymnastics abuse survivors, Kevin Love, the U.S. Women’s national soccer team, Steve Gleason, and Oscar Robertson. Collins’ legacy of visibility, strength, and love will endure, as Jarron stated, “It is profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on my brother’s behalf, celebrating a legacy that will endure forever.”

The ESPYS, hosted from New York, will air July 15 on ABC and stream on ESPN+. Jarron’s acceptance underscores the broader impact of Collins’ openness, inspiring athletes and fans alike to confront personal battles and champion diversity. The ceremony highlights the league’s ongoing push for inclusion, building on Collins’ trailblazing career that reshaped the NBA’s cultural landscape.