Brittney Griner

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has recently announced that she will be competing in the newly launched 3-on-3 Unrivaled Pro League based in Miami. The initiative, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, offers a fresh platform for women’s basketball players to compete and showcase their talents during the WNBA offseason. It provides an opportunity for Griner to stay in top form while avoiding overseas play—a significant shift in her career following her detainment in Russia in 2022.

Griner's detainment in Russia was an event that shook the sports world. Arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on drug charges, she spent ten months in a Russian penal colony before being released in a high-profile prisoner exchange in December 2022. The ordeal had profound effects on her both personally and professionally. Upon returning to the United States, Griner vowed to never play overseas again unless representing the U.S. national team.

Since her release, Griner has focused on returning to a sense of normalcy, though life has changed dramatically. She recently published a book detailing her experiences in Russia and her journey back to the WNBA. Her primary focus has been on her family and mental health, regularly attending therapy sessions to cope with the trauma of her imprisonment.

Griner has also become an advocate for other Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad, using her platform as a celebrated athlete to raise awareness. This advocacy work, combined with her return to basketball—both on the WNBA court and the new 3-on-3 league—highlights her resilience and determination to channel her experiences into positive outcomes and support for others in similar situations.

Griner's journey continues to inspire many as she balances her career, advocacy, and personal life. She plays a pivotal role in emphasizing the growth and potential of women’s sports, while also pushing for advancements and better support systems within the WNBA.