Elena Delle Donne, a standout from the University of Delaware and WNBA star, has been named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This makes her the first Delawarean to receive this prestigious honor, which recognizes excellence across all levels of basketball. Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, is celebrated for her record-setting career, including impressive statistical achievements such as a 93.7% free-throw percentage. The full Hall of Fame class will be officially announced on April 4, with induction ceremonies scheduled for August 14 in Connecticut.

By the Numbers
  • Delle Donne scored 3,039 points in her Delaware NCAA career, ranking fifth in Division I women鈥檚 history.
  • She holds the WNBA record for free-throw percentage at .937 and has an offensive rating of 123.0, the best in league history.
State of Play
  • Delle Donne was among the 21 finalists for the Hall of Fame class revealed on February 11.
  • Other notable inductees include Candace Parker, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Doc Rivers.
What's Next

As the induction date approaches, anticipation builds for Delle Donne鈥檚 recognition, highlighting her significant contributions to the sport. Her induction is set to inspire a new generation of athletes, particularly in Delaware.

Bottom Line

Delle Donne's induction into the Hall of Fame underscores her remarkable journey and transformative impact on women's basketball, cementing her legacy as a pioneer and source of pride for Delaware.