The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, would be honored with a commemorative coin in 2020 under a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) that gained House approval on Monday.
Barr, the chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade, introduced the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act in recognition of the Hall of Fame’s 60th anniversary in 2020.
On the House floor, Barr noted that basketball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports today, and has helped many Americans learn the value of teamwork and perseverance.
“To the basketball lore of Chamberlain scoring 100 points in a single game, to the athletic heroics of Michael Jordan, to Lisa Leslie’s dunk, to the UConn Ladies’ streak of 111 wins, to Curry and company revolutionizing the game with a constant barrage of 3-pointers, the Basketball Hall of Fame is helping fans relive the greatest moments in basketball history while teaching important life lessons to youngsters through educational programs,” Barr said.
Established in 1959, the Hall of Fame honors players, coaches, referees and other figures who have made contributions to the game.
This legislation would allow the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for fans to collect in denominations of $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar clad coins, Barr said.
“Importantly, these coins would be produced at no cost to the taxpayer, and surcharges on the sale of these coins would go to support programs at the hall of fame after raising matching funds from the private sector.”
Barr introduced the bill with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), who represents Massachusetts’ first district where the Hall of Fame is based.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin is the ideal way for the legacy of these great athletes and coaches to be remembered for decades to come and I am thankful for the hard work of Congressman Barr for helping pass this legislation in the House,” Neal said.