Bill Kennedy leads the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class, alongside Rick Welts, Robin Roberts, and Sue Wicks, recognizing pioneers in sports, advocacy, and inclusivity.
NBA favorite Bill Kennedy is set to enter the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame — and it seems well-deserved.
NBA Referee Bill Kennedy to Be Inducted Into LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
The NBA’s most well-known official leads the Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, which features longtime NBA executive Rick Welts, journalist and broadcaster Robin Roberts, along with former WNBA player Sue Wicks.
Among basketball enthusiasts, Kennedy is the prominent figure.
Officials shouldn’t be well-known. If you are aware of their names, it typically indicates that something has gone awry. Kennedy stands out as an unusual case.
In a field that seldom gets recognition, Kennedy has managed to cultivate a group of supporters. Throughout almost thirty years in the NBA, he has become beloved — not due to contentious decisions, but because of his distinctive style.
Kennedy’s crisp voice and intentional pauses have transformed ordinary moments, such as announcing the result of a replay review or a coach’s challenge, into viral sensations.
Kennedy has refereed NBA games since the 1995–96 season, officiated several NBA Finals, and represented basketball at the 2010 FIFA World Championships and the 2012 Olympics.
In 2015, he emerged as the league’s second openly gay referee, publicly coming out after Rajon Rondo directed a homophobic slur at him during a match in Mexico City.
His reply — composed, honorable, and forthrightly sincere — garnered extensive admiration throughout the league
The recognition arrives amidst a challenging period for the seasoned official. Kennedy is presently out of action due to a strained hamstring he sustained earlier this month while refereeing a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
He was assisted off the court in a wheelchair, and although his return schedule is uncertain, there is hope he might return before the regular season concludes.
The LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame restarted its inductions in 2025 following a ten-year pause, with Kennedy being included in a fresh wave of awardees advancing visibility.
Who Is Bill Kennedy? The NBA Referee Headed to the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
January 21, 2026
Bill Kennedy leads the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class, alongside Rick Welts, Robin Roberts, and Sue Wicks, recognizing pioneers in sports, advocacy, and inclusivity. NBA favorite Bill Kennedy is set to enter the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame — and it seems well-deserved. NBA Referee Bill Kennedy to Be Inducted Into LGBTQ Sports
Kylian Mbappe vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Who Reached 50 LaLiga Goals Faster?
January 20, 2026
Kylian Mbappe netted 50 LaLiga goals in 53 matches for Real Madrid, making him the second quickest this century, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. He tops the 2025–26 scoring table with 19 goals. Kylian Mbappe continues to share elite company — and yet again, the only player ahead of him is his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. How Fast
Why Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Likely to Be Demoted in BCCI Contracts?
January 20, 2026
BCCI is contemplating eliminating the A+ central contract tier, which could lead to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being downgraded to category B. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be considering a revamp of its Central Contract tier structure. As per ANI, the board could eliminate the highest A+
What Did FIFA Say After Players Walked Off During the AFCON Final?
January 19, 2026
Senegal triumphed in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco after turmoil ensued due to a late VAR penalty, as FIFA criticized the walk-off and called for respect towards officials. The final of the Africa Cup of Nations erupted into mayhem on Sunday night — and FIFA president Gianni Infantino promptly intervened. FIFA President
Which Team Will Replace Bangladesh If They Skip the T20 World Cup?
January 19, 2026
The ICC has apparently set a January 21 deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to confirm travel plans to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup or face replacement by Scotland. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has allegedly received an ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC) concerning its decision not to travel to India
How Important Is LeBron James for Lakers vs Trail Blazers Tonight?
January 18, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers’ star, LeBron James, has been performing remarkably this season, even with injuries. He has ascended to the pinnacle of the all-time scorer’s list, bringing him one step nearer to being the ultimate MVP of the 2025-2026 season. A few weeks ago, though, the 4x NBA champion sustained an injury during a
Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets injury report:Which Players Are Missing for Lakers vs Hornets Tonight?
January 16, 2026
Lakers vs Hornets : On January 15, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets travel to Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Arena. The two teams enter from contrasting standings, yet both are facing injuries that might influence the outcome. Los Angeles holds a record of 24-14 and is keeping its spot in
Border 2 Trailer Breakdown: Sunny Deol’s Speech, Explosions & Emotional Core
January 16, 2026
The trailer for Border 2 has been released. Sunny Deol takes the lead as Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh join in a thrilling war drama set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. Border 2, the follow-up to J.P. Dutta’s iconic war drama Border, has finally released its highly awaited trailer, which showcases impressive
500 Million Want In — But Some Fans Are Backing Out of the 2026 World Cup
January 16, 2026
FIFA garnered more than 500 million ticket applications for the 2026 World Cup, yet concerns over safety and political instability in the United States are prompting cancellations among international supporters. FIFA claims the world still desires the World Cup, yet signs of trouble are emerging. On Wednesday, FIFA announced it had received over 500 million
1,773 Runs and Counting: Virat Kohli Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar vs New Zealand
January 14, 2026
Virat Kohli, a batter for the Indian men’s cricket team, surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s leading run-scorer against New Zealand in One Day Internationals during the second ODI on Wednesday. Kohli began the match tied with Tendulkar’s count after making 93 in the series opener in Vadodara. He surpassed the previous India captain with