Dominant 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 was born in Houston, Texas on 18 October 1990. Standing 6ft 9in, Griner is the most dominant center in WNBA history, combining elite shot-blocking, interior scoring and post dominance. She set multiple records at Baylor, winning the 2012 NCAA championship. The Phoenix Mercury selected her first overall in 2013 and she went on to win WNBA Championships in 2014 and 2021, multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-Star selections. She became the first player to score 1,000 points and block 1,000 shots in NCAA history. Off the court, she became a global headline in February 2022 when she was detained in Russia on drug charges (carrying cannabis oil for medical use) and was held for over 10 months before being released in a prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022.
Dominant center, shot-blocking, dunking ability
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
WNBA Champion 2014, 2021
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?Career Honours
- WNBA Champion 2014, 2021
- NCAA Champion 2012
- Olympic Gold 2020, 2016