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.
How Soon Will Prabhas’ ‘The Raja Saab’ Hit Japanese Theatres?
January 9, 2026
Aiming to reach the large fan following of actor Prabhas in Japan, the team behind director Maruthi’s horror comedy ‘The Raja Saab’, starring actor Prabhas in the lead role, has announced their intention to launch the dubbed Japanese version of the film in Japan, three to six months after its release in India. During a
Why Chelsea Promoted Calum McFarlane After Just Two Matches in Charge
January 9, 2026
Calum McFarlane will become Chelsea’s assistant to Liam Rosenior following a strong performance as the interim head coach. Rosenior will make his debut on Saturday facing Charlton Athletic. Calum McFarlane is poised to join Liam Rosenior as his assistant at Chelsea, marking a rapid ascent following his notable time as interim head coach at Stamford
Beyond Formula 1: Anthony Hamilton’s HybridV10 Vision Could Redefine Global Motorsport
January 9, 2026
Anthony Hamilton reveals intentions for the HybridV10 global motorsport series, focusing on diversity, managing expenses, engaging fans, and creating career opportunities. Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has announced bold plans for a new worldwide motorsport initiative aimed at expanding access and opportunities in the sport’s premier level. The suggested
What Is Manchester United’s €90m Offer for Yan Diomande?
January 9, 2026
Manchester United is said to be in advanced negotiations to acquire RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande for €90 million, seeking a long-term agreement. Manchester United have signaled their aims in the transfer market, intensifying efforts to acquire RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as discussions between the two teams accelerate. Reports from Africa Foot indicate that United
Why Is the WNBA Facing a Possible Players’ Strike Before January 9?
January 9, 2026
WNBA and WNBPA, headed by Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier, continue to disagree on revenue sharing as the January 9 CBA deadline approaches, threatening a potential strike. WNBA labor negotiations seem to be stalled, as the league has not yet replied to a collective bargaining agreement proposal made by players almost two weeks ago, according
India U19 Complete 3–0 Whitewash as Sooryavanshi, George Rewrite Youth ODI Records
January 8, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi maintained his remarkable form with a brilliant century, and Aaron George also hit triple digits as India U-19 defeated South Africa by 233 runs in the third and last youth ODI, securing a dominant 3-0 series victory on Wednesday. Sooryavanshi’s excellence secured him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series
When Did Manchester City Sign Max Alleyne and From Which Club?
January 8, 2026
Max Alleyne debuted in the Premier League for Manchester City, leaving behind Mark Alleyne’s cricket legacy to carve out his own football journey under Pep Guardiola. From County Glory to the Premier League: the Alleyne legacy finds a new platform. Manchester City defender Max Alleyne played his first Premier League match on Wednesday against Brighton,
Why Are Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Back in Manchester United Talks?
January 8, 2026
Man United considers Carrick and Solskjaer for interim roles after Amorim’s departure; Fletcher manages the team against Burnley during ongoing instability. The revolving door at Manchester United is turning once more. What Role Could Michael Carrick Play in United’s New Setup? Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are once again part of the discussions at
Can Bangladesh Skip India Matches At T20 World Cup 2026 — And At What Cost?
January 8, 2026
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has requested the ICC to relocate its T20 World Cup matches from India, emphasizing the safety and welfare of its players. With only a month remaining until the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the prominent event has been shaken by a significant controversy. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has declined
Will Bangladesh Still Play T20 World Cup 2026 Matches In India?
January 8, 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has determined that there are no actionable security concerns to address Bangladesh’s worries about player safety in India and has, for the time being, denied the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move its matches for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. A Cricbuzz report states that the