The Basketball Hall of Fame has always been about more than just trophies and numbers. It’s about the moments that shaped the game and the people who gave fans reasons to believe. Last year’s class brought nostalgia with Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, and Dick Barnett. This year, the spotlight is just as bright – and maybe even a little louder.
The Class of 2025 feels like a celebration of every corner of the sport. From Carmelo Anthony’s scoring touch to Sue Bird’s floor leadership, from Dwight Howard’s dominance in the paint to the collective redemption of Team USA in Beijing, the Hall is set to honor a lineup that speaks to basketball’s past, present, and future.
Fans won’t have to wait long. The enshrinement weekend kicks off September 5 with a reception and gala, and NBA TV will cover everything live. The red carpet rolls out on Saturday night, September 6, before the official ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET.
The Stars of the Show
Carmelo Anthony headlines the class, bringing with him 10 All-Star nods, three Olympic gold medals, and nearly two decades of buckets. His son Kiyan summed it up best during the announcement: “You’ve been a Hall of Famer to me my whole life.”
Dwight Howard shares the spotlight, and his reaction said it all. “I cried so much,” he admitted. From carrying Orlando to the 2009 Finals to capturing a championship with the Lakers, Howard’s journey checks every Hall of Fame box.
On the women’s side, the lineup is just as legendary. Sue Bird enters as one of the greatest point guards ever, with four WNBA titles and five Olympic gold medals. Maya Moore, a champion on and off the court, is remembered for her dominance as well as her fight for justice. And Sylvia Fowles, a defensive force with two championships and four DPOY awards, joins them in Springfield.
Beyond the Court: Coaches, Referees, and the Redeem Team
The class extends beyond the players. Longtime referee Danny Crawford and coaching great Billy Donovan add depth, while Micky Arison, the Miami Heat owner who oversaw three titles, represents the contributors’ side.
But perhaps no single induction has the same collective weight as the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team.” Led by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, the squad reclaimed global dominance for Team USA in Beijing, setting the tone for a new era of international play.
Honoring More Than Legends
Alongside the inductions, the Hall hands out several awards. Jeff Twiss receives the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, while Clark Kellogg and George Blaha take home the Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Awards. Adrian Wojnarowski is honored with the Insight Award, Michelle Smith with the Print Media Award, and Jalen Rose earns the Ice Cube Impact Award for his community work.
This year’s class isn’t just about championships or stats – it’s about defining eras, rewriting expectations, and leaving legacies that stretch far beyond the hardwood. From Anthony’s clutch buckets to Bird’s steady leadership and the Redeem Team’s redemption arc, the 2025 Hall of Fame class shows exactly why the game keeps inspiring across generations.
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