American · Houston, Texas · Born 18 October 1990Dominant and decorated WNBA center whose records, championships and harrowing detention in Russia made her one of the most significant figures in women's sport.
Brittney Griner spent 294 days in Russian detention — sentenced to nine years in a penal colony before being exchanged for arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022 — an ordeal that placed her at the centre of a geopolitical prisoner negotiation and changed how Americans understood the vulnerability of athletes who play professionally abroad.. She returned to the United States to a medical evaluation and reunion with her wife, Cherelle, and has since written and spoken publicly about the ordeal, returning to play for the Phoenix Mercury and continuing her advocacy for other wrongfully detained Americans abroad.
Dominant center, shot-blocking, dunking ability
She was detained in Russia for over 10 months in 2022, became the subject of a massive international diplomatic effort and was eventually released in a prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout — one of the most dramatic athlete stories in modern sports history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Dominant post player with exceptional height and shot-blocking
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest WNBA centers and shot-blockers of all time
Career Honours
- WNBA Champion 2014, 2021
- NCAA Champion 2012
- Olympic Gold 2020, 2016
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Mercury | 2013–2024 | 273 | #42 |
| UMMC Ekaterinburg | 2014–2021 | — | — |
| Atlanta Dream | 2025–present | — | — |
American Athletes