The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Prostate Cancer Foundation Launch the “Check the Box!” Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative

On January 19th, 2026, this ongoing initiative will debut with two featured activations at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and during the 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic:

• Check the Box Forum
  9:00 a.m. | Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
  A live forum focused on awareness, education, and personal storytelling featuring:
  • Nancy Lieberman, Basketball Hall of Famer
  • Jay Harris, ESPN SportsCenter Host
  • Spencer Haywood, Basketball Hall of Famer
  • Gina Carithers, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation
    
    
• 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic On-Court Presentation
  1:00 p.m. Game | Panini Hoophall Classic
  A special in-arena presentation bringing the “Check the Box!” message directly to fans, players, and the broader basketball audience.

Through forums, digital storytelling, and integrated activations, “Check the Box!” aims to normalize conversations around prostate health, encourage early cancer detection, and empower men to be proactive advocates for their own well-being. This collaboration reflects the Basketball Hall of Fame’s continued commitment to leveraging the influence of the game beyond the courts to champion health, education, and community impact alongside celebrating basketball excellence.

“Playing and enjoying basketball has always been about health, preparation, and knowing when to step up,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through the ‘Check the Box!’ initiative, we are using the Hall of Fame’s platform to encourage men to take a simple but potentially life-saving step. This partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation allows us to extend our impact well beyond the court.”

As part of its five-year long commitment to spreading prostate cancer awareness through basketball, the Prostate Cancer Foundation will serve as the healthcare partner, providing expert information and resources to support the campaign’s mission of prevention and early detection.

“The Prostate Cancer Foundation is deeply grateful to John Doleva and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for this partnership,” said Gina Carithers, PCF President and CEO. “Together with Nancy Lieberman, we're building a movement to ensure every man gets screened for prostate cancer with a simple PSA blood test. When prostate cancer is caught early, it has a 99% cure rate. Men over 40 and men of African American descent are at highest risk. This partnership is our pathway to reaching the communities who need screening the most."

Interview opportunities with participating talent will be available upon pre-approved request. Media interested in scheduling interviews or covering the initiative should contact.

Media Contact
Kiana Lowe
Marketing & PR Manager
[email protected]

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has raised more than $1 billion to fund cutting-edge research through more than 2,250 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers, with a global footprint spanning 28 countries. Since PCF’s inception, and through its efforts, patients around the world are living longer, suffering fewer complications, and enjoying better quality of life. PCF is committed to the vision of ending death and suffering from prostate cancer. Learn more at pcf.org.

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 475 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 150 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com and follow @hoophall.

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CONTACT: Christy Curran

[email protected]

615-414-8668

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS MANAGED CARE OTHER HEALTH HEALTH PHILANTHROPY GENERAL HEALTH ONCOLOGY OTHER PHILANTHROPY HOSPITALS FOUNDATION BASKETBALL

SOURCE: The Prostate Cancer Foundation

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 01/15/2026 08:00 AM/DISC: 01/15/2026 08:00 AM

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