FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Louisiana Statewide – June 22, 2026) – Louisiana sports legends take center stage when Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) presents this year’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony live from Natchitoches. The LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME: 2026 CELEBRATION premieres Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 PM on both LPB and WLAE-TV, bringing one of the state’s premier annual sports events to viewers across Louisiana. WYES-TV in New Orleans will also broadcast the program on Monday, July 6 at 9:00pm. Sports fans can begin the celebration early as LPB live streams the “Purple Carpet” pre-ceremony online at lpb.org and on the LPB YouTube channel beginning at 6:15 PM. 

Produced in partnership with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the ceremony features exclusive interviews, profile stories, and memorable moments celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees. “Sports is a universal language in Louisiana, bringing communities across the state together with a common goal,” says Clarence “C.C” Copeland, LPB President and CEO. “Through our partnership with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, LPB is able to bring this celebration directly to sports fans no matter where they live.”

This year’s honorees include Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Sylvia Fowles; NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure, and Pat Williams; Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy; and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy, and Dewain Strother. 

Additionally, baseball legend Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, and trailblazing high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway will be honored with the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award. Sportswriters Gil LeBreton and John James Marshall will receive the 2026 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. 

“The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is honored to once again partner with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to televise our annual Induction Ceremony,” adds Ronnie Rantz, President and CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. “Louisiana is home to countless sports legends, and this partnership allows us to celebrate their achievements and share their inspiring stories with audiences across the state.”

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Teddy Allen, Victor Howell, and Matt Moscona. 

LPB will encore the LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME: 2026 CELEBRATION Friday, July 3 at 10:30 PM. The program also will be available for on-demand viewing through LPB Passport and on the LPB YouTube channel.

For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225) 767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org. 

About Louisiana Public Broadcasting:
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.