Jason Collins, who is an American basketball player, recently signed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, making him officially the first openly gay active NBA player.

Collins came out as gay last April, saying “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

Collins previously played with the Washington Wizards in the 2012-13 season.

Brian Ellner, a spokesperson for Athlete Ally, an organisation that aims for LGBT inclusion in sports, said: “Today, Jason Collins tore open the last remaining closet in America, and became the first openly gay player to be signed by a team in one of the big four sports. We are especially excited that Jason will be playing in Brooklyn, just like Jackie Robinson, and in a marriage equality state. This is a piece of history, an important point on the continuum toward justice and a moment to celebrate.”

Collins will reportedly be in uniform for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers.