The Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 on Thursday, selecting four natives whose careers span elite professional and international competition. The class will be honored at an enshrinement ceremony Oct. 29 at Freedom Hall in Louisville.
Inductees represent multiple sports and generations
The 49th KSHOF class includes:
- Tyson Gay — a Lexington native and world-class sprinter who still holds the American record in the 100-meter dash and owns the third-fastest time ever recorded in the event.
- Lisa Mattingly — from Lebanon, recognized as one of the most accomplished basketball officials at both the collegiate and professional levels.
- Rajon Rondo — a Louisville native who starred as a point guard at Kentucky and went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion.
- Brandon Webb — from Ashland, a dominant pitcher through high school, college and the major leagues and a National League Cy Young Award winner.
A 15-member selection committee made up of sports media professionals from across the Commonwealth chose the honorees. The KSHOF was established in 1963 to recognize athletes and sports figures who are Kentucky natives, as well as others who have made significant contributions to sports in the state.
Celebration and community support
Organizers and supporters highlighted the inductees’ sustained excellence and the example they set for young athletes in Kentucky.
“The Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 reflects excellence across multiple generations of Kentucky sports,” said Greg Fante, president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission.
Fante added that each member of the class reached the highest levels of competition while representing the Commonwealth with distinction, and that the commission is proud to celebrate their impact during the Freedom Hall ceremony.
Corporate and community backers emphasized the role of sports in inspiring youth and strengthening communities. Andrew Clark, a sixth-generation member of the Hillerich family and a KSHOF board member, expressed pride in supporting the Hall of Fame and the incoming class.
“At Hillerich & Bradsby, we’ve always believed that sports have the power to inspire young people, strengthen communities and create memories that last a lifetime. We’re proud to help recognize Kentucky natives whose achievements will continue to inspire future generations,” Clark said.
Event details and access
The inductees and their families will be honored on Oct. 29 at Freedom Hall in Louisville. For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, the Hall of Fame directs inquiries to Julie Howell at jhowell@louisvillesports.org or by phone at (502) 376-6450.
| Inductee | Hometown | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Tyson Gay | Lexington | American record holder in 100m; third-fastest time all-time |
| Lisa Mattingly | Lebanon | Prominent collegiate and professional basketball official |
| Rajon Rondo | Louisville | Four-time NBA All-Star; two-time NBA champion |
| Brandon Webb | Ashland | National League Cy Young Award winner; standout pitcher |
The 2026 selections underscore the breadth of sporting achievement produced by Kentucky, from track and field to basketball and baseball. The Hall of Fame’s annual induction continues to serve both as recognition for accomplished careers and as a platform to highlight role models for students and athletes across the state.
As the KSHOF prepares for its fall ceremony, the selection committee and sponsors will shift focus to event logistics and public engagement, ensuring that the new class receives formal recognition for careers that have had local, national and international impact.
