OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, May 4, 2026 — The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is proud to announce the 2026 slate of nominees for potential induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Established in 1955 and located within the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of rodeo and its enduring legacy. Through this effort, The Cowboy reminds the Western world that the National Rodeo Hall of Fame is the preeminent and most iconic location for honoring, celebrating and preserving the heritage and legendary names of the West’s original sport: Rodeo.
Regardless of an individual’s age, background, professional affiliation or chosen event, induction in the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, more than 70 years after its founding, remains the highest honor to which a rodeo participant can endeavor.
“The National Rodeo Hall of Fame represents the very best of rodeo’s past, present and future,” said Joey Niebrugge, Rodeo Engagement Manager at the Museum. “These nominees have helped shape the sport through their talent, dedication and lifelong commitment to rodeo. We are proud to honor their contributions and continue sharing their stories with future generations.”
The 2026 nominees represent the full spectrum of rodeo disciplines and the generations of competitors, historians, performers and contributors who have helped shape and preserve the West’s original sport.
2026 National Rodeo Hall of Fame Nominees
Living Nominees: Josh Edwards, Jess Franks, Marvin Garrett, Larry Jordan, Gary Ledford, David Motes, Tommy Puryear, Marvin Paul Shoulders, Jack Sparrowk, Jim D. Thompson and Gail Woerner.
Deceased Nominees: Larry Dawson, James Allen “Hoss” Inman, Bobby Kerr and Jim and Jan Warvell.
Ballots will be mailed to all voters on June 1, 2026. To be eligible to vote, you must be a Rodeo Member in good standing. Instructions, membership information and expanded nominee bios will be available on the Museum’s website at nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame.
Save the Date: National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend
The 2026 National Rodeo Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, Nov. 13–14, 2026, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
The Museum invites rodeo fans, historians and supporters to join us for this special weekend celebrating the people, stories and legacy of rodeo. More details, including ticketing and hotel information, will be announced soon. Follow @nationalcowboymuseum on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes stories as we celebrate the best rodeo has to offer.
About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is the nation’s premier institution dedicated to the history, art and culture of the American West. Founded in 1955, the Museum houses an internationally renowned collection of more than 28,000 Western and Native American art works and artifacts, including the world’s most extensive collections of American rodeo photography, barbed wire, saddlery and early rodeo trophies.
Through its exhibitions, programs and scholarship, the Museum preserves and interprets the evolving story of the West, illuminating the people, traditions and ideas that continue to shape American culture. With more than 10 million visitors from around the world, it stands as a leading authority on the enduring legacy of the American West. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
About the National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Established in 1955 and located within the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame is the original, preeminent and most iconic location for honoring, celebrating and preserving the heritage and legendary names of the West’s original sport: Rodeo. Regardless of an individual’s background, professional affiliation or chosen event, induction in the National Rodeo Hall of Fame remains the highest honor to which a rodeo participant can endeavor. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame.
The 2026 living nominees are Josh Edwards, Jess Franks, Marvin Garrett, Larry Jordan, Gary Ledford, David Motes, Tommy Puryear, Marvin Paul Shoulders, Jack Sparrowk, Jim D. Thompson and Gail Woerner. The deceased nominees are Larry Dawson, James Allen “Hoss” Inman, Bobby Kerr, and Jim and Jan Warvell.
To vote, you must be a Rodeo Member in good standing with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Ballots are mailed to eligible voters on June 1, 2026, with membership and voting information available at nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame.
The 2026 inductees will be honored during National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, November 13–14, 2026, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
The National Rodeo Hall of Fame was established in 1955 and is located within the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Induction is considered the highest honor a rodeo participant can achieve.
