June 12, 2026 – NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The “Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Special Presented by the Tennessee Lottery” will debut as a one-hour televised special event on Saturday, July 11, at 7pm ET / 6pm CT at www.tshf.net and through the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s social media channels. Mike Keith, Hall of Fame inductee and Voice of the Vols, will host the statewide broadcast celebrating the people and moments that continue to shape sports across Tennessee.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 features an outstanding group of athletes, coaches, broadcasters and sports leaders, including Monica Abbott, Jennifer Azzi, Matt Cain, Jerry Caldwell, Mike Clary, Reggie Cobb, Antone Davis, Kermit Davis, Marc Gasol, Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, Ron Mercer, David Price, Pete Weber and Jason Witten.
Sports fans will be introduced to the Class of 2026 through exclusive interviews and personal stories from teammates, colleagues, family members and friends who witnessed their remarkable careers and lasting impact on Tennessee sports. Special guests will share memories and reflections highlighting each inductee’s legacy.
The special will also recognize the recipients of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s annual achievement awards, including:
- Tennessean of the Year: Candice Storey Lee
- Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award: Rick Insell
- David Williams Significant Historical Achievement Award: Dylan and Carter Nutt
- Professional Team of the Year: Nashville SC
- Female Amateur Team of the Year: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball
- Male Amateur Team of the Year: Freed-Hardeman Men’s Basketball
- Female Amateur Athletes of the Year (Co-Recipients): Karlyn Pickens and Maya Johnson
- Male Amateur Athlete of the Year: Diego Pavia
- Professional Athlete of the Year: Jeffery Simmons
The special will air statewide as follows:
Nashville: The Spot-Nashville 28
- Saturday, July 11 at 6 pm CT
Knoxville: MyVLT
- Saturday, July 11 at 7 pm ET
Jackson: EPlusTV6
- Saturday, July 11 at 6 pm CT
Memphis: CW30
- Saturday, July 11 at 2pm CT
Johnson City: WJHL 11
- Saturday, July 11 at 7pm ET
Chattanooga: WDEF 12
- Saturday, July 11 at 7pm ET
The event will also stream online at www.tshf.net and through the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s social media platforms.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs. In addition to educational beneficiaries, players have won billions in prizes, and Lottery retailers have earned billions in commissions. For more information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the Tennessee Education Lottery on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
