Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023: Highest Paid WNBA Player

Brittney Griner Net Worth: As of 2023, Brittney Griner’s total earnings are approximately $5 million. This money comes from several sources, such as her salary from playing in the WNBA, the money she gets from companies she works with, and what she makes from playing basketball in other countries.

Brittney Griner’s Biography

Brittney Griner is a pro basketball player from the USA. She plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

She’s won gold at the Olympics twice with the U.S. women’s national basketball team and has been picked for the WNBA All-Star game six times. In 2023, Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most important people globally.

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Griner was born in Houston, Texas, and played college basketball at Baylor University. She was the best player in the country twice and helped Baylor win the NCAA championship in 2012. The Mercury chose her as the top pick in the 2013 WNBA draft.

Career

Griner is a big deal in the WNBA. She’s won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice and made the All-Defensive First Team three times. She’s also been the top scorer in the WNBA twice.

In 2014, Griner played a key role in helping the Mercury basketball team secure their first-ever WNBA championship, and for her outstanding performance, she was named the Finals MVP.

Griner has also achieved success in international basketball, having played in countries like Russia, Turkey, and China. Her exceptional skills earned her the EuroLeague Women’s Final Four MVP title in 2020.

Arrest and Detention

However, in February 2022, Griner faced a serious legal issue in Russia when she was arrested on drug-related charges. The accusation was that she unintentionally carried cannabis oil into the country. She has been held in custody ever since, with the U.S. government declaring her detention unjust.

Griner’s trial began on July 1, 2022, when she admitted to the charges but explained that the cannabis oil was mistakenly packed. She now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Efforts are underway by the U.S. government to secure Griner’s release. President Joe Biden has publicly called for her freedom, and the State Department has officially labeled her as a “wrongfully detained” individual.

Griner’s detention highlights the risks that athletes may encounter when traveling to Russia and underscores the importance of advocating for the release of Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad.

Brittney Griner’s Personal Life

Brittney Griner openly identifies as a lesbian, sharing her truth in a 2013 interview with SI.com. She passionately supports the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals should be visible in the world of sports and has become a source of inspiration for countless young people.

From 2015 to 2016, Griner was in a marriage with Glory Johnson, who, like her, is a WNBA player. Through the process of in vitro fertilization, they welcomed twin daughters into their lives.

In June 2019, Griner exchanged vows with Cherelle Watson, a teacher, marking a new chapter in her personal life.

Apart from her sports career, Griner is a vocal advocate for social justice. She courageously speaks out against racism and homophobia, striving to shed light on the issue of bullying and its harmful effects.

Griner serves as a role model not only in the United States but across the globe. She offers inspiration to young athletes, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, and spreads awareness about pressing social justice matters.

Here are some things Brittney Griner has shared about her life:

“I’m not hiding who I am. I’m proud of myself.”
“I want to inspire young people, especially those who are LGBTQ. I want them to know they have support.”
“I believe in treating everyone with respect, no matter who they are or who they love.”
“I’m using my influence to shine a light on LGBTQ issues and advocate for fairness.”

Brittney Griner’s personal life has grabbed headlines, with both positive and negative attention. She’s been praised for her bravery and honesty but has also faced criticism for her relationship with Glory Johnson and her choice to play basketball in Russia.