Hoops & Health: Hall of Fame Tackles Prostate Cancer Disparity

SPRINGFIELD, MA – January 15, 2026

In a landmark collaboration, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) have launched “Check the Box! Saving Lives Together,” a multi-year initiative aimed squarely at combating the devastating impact of late-detected prostate cancer. The partnership leverages the immense cultural influence of basketball to drive a critical public health message, with a significant focus on encouraging regular health screenings among high-risk populations, particularly men of color.

The initiative is set to make its public debut on January 19, 2026, with a series of high-profile activations at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, coinciding with the prestigious Panini Hoophall Classic.

A Full-Court Press Against a Silent Epidemic

The urgency behind the “Check the Box!” campaign is underscored by stark and persistent health disparities. Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men, who are approximately 70% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than white men. The statistics paint a grim picture: one in four Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Beyond the higher incidence rate, the mortality gap is even more alarming. Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer. Research indicates they are often diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive forms of the disease, compounding the risk. These disparities are fueled by a complex mix of socioeconomic factors, including unequal access to quality healthcare, environmental exposures, and a historical mistrust in the medical system that can deter preventative care.

This initiative aims to confront that reality head-on. “When prostate cancer is caught early, it has a 99% cure rate,” said Gina Carithers, PCF President and CEO, in a statement announcing the partnership. The campaign’s core mission is to transform a disease that is highly survivable with early detection from a silent killer into a manageable health condition through education and proactive screening.

Leveraging Legends for a Life-Saving Message

To bridge the gap between medical advice and community action, the partnership is enlisting some of basketball’s most respected figures. The inaugural “Check the Box Forum” will feature Hall of Famers Nancy Lieberman and Spencer Haywood, alongside ESPN SportsCenter host Jay Harris. These personalities bring not just celebrity but deep credibility and, in one case, a profoundly personal connection to the cause.

Jay Harris, a fixture on ESPN for over two decades, provides a powerful and authentic voice to the campaign. In June 2025, Harris publicly shared his own prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent successful surgery. Citing his demographic risk factors as a Black man, he has become a vocal advocate for the importance of early screening and awareness, transforming his personal health journey into a public platform for education. His involvement lends an undeniable authenticity to the initiative’s call to action.

They are joined by pioneers of the sport. Nancy Lieberman, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, and Spencer Haywood, whose landmark legal battle changed the NBA forever, have histories of challenging the status quo. Their participation signals a unified front from the basketball world to champion this cause.

“Playing and enjoying basketball has always been about health, preparation, and knowing when to step up,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through the ‘Check the Box!’ initiative, we are using the Hall of Fame’s platform to encourage men to take a simple but potentially life-saving step.”

The Strategic Playbook: A Partnership Model

This initiative represents more than a simple public service announcement; it is a strategic, long-term collaboration designed for maximum impact. The Hall of Fame, a non-profit institution, is leveraging its powerful brand and its history of community outreach, including its “Hoophall Assists” program, to provide an unparalleled platform. The organization has a track record of partnering with groups like Sport Changes Life and the Harlem Globetrotters to extend its influence beyond the museum walls.

On the other side of the partnership, the Prostate Cancer Foundation provides the scientific and medical backbone. As the world’s leading philanthropic organization for prostate cancer research, PCF brings immense credibility. Since its founding in 1993, it has raised over $1 billion, funding more than 2,250 research projects globally and contributing to a 52% reduction in the U.S. prostate cancer death rate. The foundation’s commitment is demonstrated by its consistent high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and its direct investment in tackling racial disparities through efforts like the $26.5 million RESPOND study, which investigates why Black men suffer from more aggressive forms of the disease.

Together, the two organizations are creating a model for how sports and science can unite to address a national health crisis. The Hall of Fame opens the door to a hard-to-reach audience, while PCF provides the expert information and resources needed to turn awareness into action.

'Check the Box!': From Awareness to Action

The initiative’s name, “Check the Box!”, is a direct and simple call to action, framing a health screening not as a daunting medical procedure but as a manageable item on a to-do list. The campaign’s five-year commitment will begin in earnest on January 19th. The day will start with the morning forum, where Lieberman, Harris, and Haywood will share stories and educational insights. Later, during a featured game of the Panini Hoophall Classic, a special on-court presentation will bring the message directly to thousands of fans in the arena and a national broadcast audience.

The goal is to normalize conversations around a topic many men avoid and to empower them to engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers. The American Cancer Society recommends that high-risk individuals, including all African American men, begin these crucial conversations about screening at age 45.

“This partnership is our pathway to reaching the communities who need screening the most,” Carithers stated. By integrating this vital health message into the fabric of basketball culture, the Hall of Fame and PCF are making a calculated play to save lives. The initiative aims to transform the cultural conversation around men's health, starting with a single, powerful message at the heart of the basketball world.