Trailblazing SA sports star announces shock retirement
Adelaide 36ers centre Isaac Humphries, the world’s first openly gay professional male basketballer, has retired from the sport at just 28 years of age.
Australian basketball trailblazer Isaac Humphries has announced his retirement, citing a degenerative knee injury as the reason behind his “incredibly difficult” decision.
Humphries made global headlines in 2022 when he came out as the world’s only openly gay professional basketballer, becoming a leader and beacon of hope for his community.
The 28-year-old has spoken publicly about struggles with his sexuality and mental health issues, as well as surviving a suicide attempt.
Humphries failed to get on court with the Adelaide 36ers this season and ultimately felt his hand was forced by a knee injury that has troubled him for years.
“I’m so sad to say goodbye like this,” Humphries said in a statement on social media.
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“Sometimes life deals you cards that tell your story for you, and due to my continued knee injury, I’ve had to make the incredibly difficult decision to retire.
“I’ll miss my teammates. The laughs. The trenches. I’ll miss the fans, the noise, and the feeling of having an entire community behind you.”
Humphries serves as a role model for LGBTQI athletes, championing the NBL’s Pride Round while working as an ambassador for mental health initiatives and suicide prevention.
In January, he provided support for retired Australian basketballer Andrew Ogilvy when he also came out as gay.
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Humphries was the NBL’s rookie of the year in 2018 and played 173 games across eight seasons with Adelaide, Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings.
He was the Sixers’ MVP in 2024 and helped the club reach last season’s championship series.
“I gave so much of my life to this sport and it gave me a life I could never have imagined right back,” Humphries said.
“There is so much more to say, but for now, just thank you.
“I hope the identity I created lives on in every person who wears my jersey and in every place I was luck enough to call home.
“It’s not exactly goodbye, but maybe an until I see you soon. So for now, and from your number 8, thank you.”
Adelaide chairman Grant Kelley paid tribute to “outstanding ambassador” Humphries’ impact on and off the court.
“I have long admired Isaac’s personal and professional courage and the way he has carried himself across his 124 games for our club,” Kelley said.
“Beyond his impact on the court, Isaac has used his platform to advocate strongly for LGBTQI+ rights and mental health awareness, making a meaningful difference in the wider community.”
Humphries will transition into a new role with Adelaide, working with the club’s community, marketing and commercial teams.
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