Brittney Griner returns to the WNBA.
The 32-year-old basketball player resigned with the Phoenix Mercury for one year according to a report. Brittney shared the exciting news via Instagram and said, “so good to be back with the family @phoneixmercury.”
Brittney was detained in Russia for nearly one year after pleading guilty to drug charges. In a drawn-out, dramatic, high-profile prisoner exchange, Brittney returned home in December 2022.
In a social media post, Brittney said, “it feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.”
She thanked her wife, Cherelle Griner, her entire family, and everyone who advocated for her release. In addition, Brittney thanked Joe Biden,
“President Biden, you brought me home, and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole.” She went on to say,
“As I transition home to enjoy the holidays with my family, I want to acknowledge and thank the entire PISA staff and medical team at the San Antonio Fort Sam Houston Base. I appreciate the time and care to make sure I was okay and equipped with the tools for this new journey.” Brittney ended the message by stating she’ll be returning to the WNBA. She said,
“I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon. Love always. BG #42.”
AP points out that Brittney last played for the Mercury in 2021 and helped the team reach the WNBA Finals. She was drafted in 2013 by Mercury and has played with them for nine seasons.