Election Process for the Basketball Hall of Fame

Electing people to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a multi-step process. Eligible players, coaches, referees, and contributors are first nominated and submitted to one of two Screening Committees (North American and Women's) who determine the finalists. Once the finalists have been selected, larger voting bodies (aka Honors Committees) determine those who get elected by a vote of 75% or higher. Additional Hall of Famers in special categories are selected by Direct Elect Committees.

The Screening Committees

The North American committee is the group responsible for determing the finalist ballot of former NBA players, coaches of all levels, referees, and contributors. This committee consists of an anonymous group of 9 members who meet annually in Manhattan to discuss the 40-50 names that have been nominated, and narrow it down to no more than 10 finalists, each with the support of a minimum of 7 members.

The Women's Committee is a 7-member group who select up to 4 finalists from the nominated players and coaches in the women's game. Each finalist needs the support of at least 5 members.

The Voting Committees

The finalists are sent to an anonymous 24-person "Honors Committees" (one each for NA and Women's) consisting of "Hall of Famers, basketball executives and administrators, members of the media, and other experts in the game of basketball," who vote yes or no by mail on each finalist. Finalists need a minimum of 18 out of 24 votes to be elected to the Hall of Fame.

Voting members serve for three year terms, but may return after a .

Direct Elect Committees

The following committees can each directly induct up to one Hall of Famer each year.

  • Veterans (35+ years since retirement)
  • International
  • Contributors
  • Early African-American Pioneers

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the Hall of Fame have shifted over the years. Here are the current guidelines:

  • Players: Must be retired for four seasons before becoming eligible. For example, if a player retired after the 2022-2023 season, they would become eligible for the Hall of Fame for the class of 2027.
  • Coaches & Referees: Active coaches and referees are eligible after 25 years and retired coaches and referees become eligible after four seasons post-retirement.
  • Contributors: Eligible at any time for significant contributions to the game.