Green Sports Alliance

Today, at the 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit, we presented the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award to Jason Collins.

Jason made history as the first openly gay active male athlete across the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL — an act of courage that changed sports forever.

Jason Collins shared, “I’m deeply grateful to the Green Sports Alliance and the Walton family for this honor. Bill didn’t just speak about what mattered—he showed up for it. He stood up for people who didn’t always have a voice, for the environment, and for anyone facing challenges that others might overlook.”

Lori Walton, Bill’s widow, said in her heartfelt message, “Bill’s unwavering commitment to doing what is right rather than what is popular, makes Jason Collins the perfect inaugural recipient of the Bill Walton Global Champion Award.”

This award honors those who show up — for people and for what’s right. Congratulations, Jason! We are all better for your courage.

Read the entire release at the link in bio.