Arizona Sports Hall of Fame ballot opens with 61 nominees

Voting is now open for the 2026 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class, with 61 nominees representing athletes, coaches and contributors tied to Arizona sports. Fans can vote through Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Arizona time at azsportshof.com.

Why it matters: - The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame helps define which athletes, coaches and contributors are recognized for shaping Arizona sports history. - The 2026 ballot gives the public a role in selecting the next class. - The pool includes high-profile names with national championships, Olympic medals and major professional sports credentials.

What happened: - The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission announced 61 nominees for the 2026 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame ballot. - Voting opened Oct. 19, 2026, and closes Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Arizona time. - Fans can review all nominees, read mini bios and vote at the Hall of Fame website. - Voters may select as many nominees as they want, but each person may submit only one ballot.

The details: - The ballot includes athletes, coaches and sports contributors who have brought fame and honor to Arizona through sporting accomplishments or service. - Jade Carey is on the ballot as a Phoenix native and Olympic gold medalist in floor exercise at Tokyo 2020 and team competition at Paris 2024. - Tedy Bruschi is listed as a University of Arizona standout, three-time Super Bowl champion and College Football Hall of Fame inductee. - Kevin Warren is on the ballot as a Phoenix native, former Grand Canyon University basketball standout, Chicago Bears president and CEO, and former Big Ten commissioner. - Tommy Nuñez is recognized as the NBA’s first Hispanic referee, with 30 years of officiating and the founding of the National Hispanic Basketball Classic to support youth. - Reggie Jackson is listed as a former Arizona State University standout, five-time World Series champion and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. - Sherry Cervi is included as an Arizona native, Marana High School graduate and four-time world champion barrel racer inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. - Pat Murphy is on the ballot as a former Arizona State University head baseball coach who won back-to-back National League Manager of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025 and led the Milwaukee Brewers to the 2026 World Series. - The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1957 by the Phoenix Press Box Association. - The Hall of Fame is now under the stewardship of the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission. - ASEC has overseen the Hall of Fame since 2009.

Between the lines: - The ballot leans heavily on Arizona-connected figures with national and international résumés, which helps reinforce the Hall of Fame’s role as both a state honor roll and a showcase of broader sports impact. - The inclusion of current and recently accomplished figures like Pat Murphy and Jade Carey suggests the Hall of Fame is not limited to distant history. - The nomination mix also spans mainstream pro sports, Olympic competition, rodeo and sports administration, reflecting a wider definition of Arizona sporting achievement.

What’s next: - Voting remains open through Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Arizona time. - The next step is selection of the 2026 Hall of Fame class from the 61 nominees. - ASEC directs readers to more information and the nominee list for full ballot details.

The bottom line: - Arizona sports fans have a limited window to help decide which 2026 nominees join the Hall of Fame.