Posted by Brittney Griner Biography
Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player known for her dominance in the WNBA and global impact. Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, she rose to fame while playing for Baylor University. Griner led Baylor to a perfect season and national title in 2012, setting records in blocks and dunks.
In 2013, she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She quickly became a standout center, winning Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014 and 2015. Her athleticism, height, and shot-blocking ability changed how the game is played. She led the league in blocks for eight seasons.
Griner represented Team USA in the Olympics, winning gold medals in 2016, 2020, and 2024. In 2025, she joined the Atlanta Dream, marking a new chapter in her career.
In 2022, she was wrongfully detained in Russia and released after ten months. Since her return, Griner has become a powerful voice for LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and detained Americans worldwide.
Brittney Griner Age
How old is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner turned 34 on October 18, 1990, and she remains a dominant WNBA center. At age 34, she leads the Atlanta Dream, earned three Olympic gold medals, and continues to impact basketball and activism locally and globally
Brittney Griner’s Height
How tall is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner stands 6 feet 9 inches tall. Her impressive height gives her a strong edge in rebounds and blocks. She dominates the court as a center and uses her physical advantage to control the paint in every game.
Brittney Griner Wife
Cherelle Griner is the loving wife of Brittney Griner. The two met at Baylor University and married in June 2019. Cherelle earned her law degree in 2022 and now runs her own law firm. She actively supported Brittney during her 2022 detention in Russia. In July 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, son Bash. Cherelle balances motherhood, law, and activism while standing strong beside her wife through every challenge and triumph.
Brittney Griner Stats
Brittney Griner averages 17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game across 340 regular-season games. She has recorded 834 career blocks, ranking second all-time in WNBA history. In the 2025 season with the Atlanta Dream, she averages 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. She shoots 51.4% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range.
During her 2024 season with the Phoenix Mercury, she averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Griner’s career field goal percentage is around 55.9%, while her free throw percentage stands near 79.7%. She has earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards and nine WNBA All-Star selections. Griner’s stats highlight her elite performance as one of the most dominant centers in WNBA history.
Brittney Griner Russia Detention
Brittney Griner arrived in Russia on February 17, 2022, to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg. Customs found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage. Russian authorities arrested her and she pleaded guilty at trial in July. On August 4, 2022, she received a nine‑year prison sentence and a fine. Her case sparked global outrage as the U.S. called her detention wrongful and politically motivated.
Griner spent ten months in a harsh penal colony near Mordovia. Then on December 8, 2022, the U.S. secured her release in a high‑profile prisoner swap exchanging her for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner returned home to emotional support from her wife, Cherelle, and the entire country. Since then, she has shared her story, advocated for detained Americans, and returned to WNBA play.
Brittney Griner’s Parents
Brittney Griner was born to Raymond and Sandra Griner in Houston, Texas. Her father, Raymond Griner, is a former Vietnam War veteran and sheriff. He instilled discipline and structure in Brittney’s life. Her mother, Sandra Griner, is a homemaker who supported Brittney’s journey from childhood. Initially, Raymond struggled with Brittney’s sexuality but later offered full support. During Brittney’s 2022 detention in Russia, both parents advocated for her release. Today, they remain strong pillars in her personal and professional life.
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark WNBA Interaction and Controversy
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark have developed mutual respect despite their different generations and playing styles. Griner praised Clark’s smooth transition from college to professional basketball. She also offered advice on how to handle pressure in the WNBA. Recently, controversy erupted after Griner fouled out during a game against Clark’s Indiana Fever. Griner appeared to shout “trash” and possibly “white girl” or “wack call,” sparking debate about her intent. Both women remain influential figures in the WNBA spotlight today.
Brittney Griner’s Olympic Career
Brittney Griner won her third Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating France 67–66 in the final. She contributed four points and two rebounds, but her emotional return carried greater meaning following her 2022 Russian detention. Griner averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds during the 2024 tournament, coming off the bench with consistency and focus.
Earlier, she won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she scored 30 points in the final.Across three Olympic Games, Griner averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. Her Olympic journey reflects elite skill, strength, and national pride that continues to inspire the world.
Brittney Griner Twins
In 2015, Brittney Griner married fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson. Shortly after, Johnson became pregnant with twin girls through IVF. The twins, named Ava Simone and Solei Diem, were born prematurely in October 2015. Griner filed for annulment just one day after learning about the pregnancy. However, the court denied her request. She was later ordered to pay child support and assumed financial responsibility for the twins. This situation reflects her complex personal life and public legal battles.
Brittney Griner Trade : From Phoenix Mercury to Atlanta Dream
In early 2025, Brittney Griner made headlines by leaving the Phoenix Mercury after 11 years to join the Atlanta Dream. She signed a one-year deal, marking one of the biggest moves in WNBA free agency. Griner joined a talented roster including Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada, forming a powerful team core. She cited Atlanta’s supportive environment and family ties as key reasons for the move. In her last season with Phoenix, she averaged 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Brittney Griner Injury 2025
Brittney Griner is currently sidelined due to a lingering neck injury. The Atlanta Dream listed her as day-to-day, causing her to miss several recent games. She exited early from a game against the Dallas Wings after playing only 15 minutes. Although rumors suggested a suspension, no official league ban occurred. Her absence has forced Atlanta to rely more on Naz Hillmon and Brionna Jones in the frontcourt. Griner continues to focus on recovery while the team pushes for playoff success.
Brittney Griner Gender Identity
Brittney Griner is a proud cisgender woman who uses she/her pronouns and has never identified as transgender. Despite ongoing online rumors about her deep voice and athletic build, she has consistently affirmed her identity as a woman. Griner is also openly lesbian and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She often addresses public misconceptions and encourages others to embrace authenticity and self-acceptance. Additionally, claims about the WNBA enforcing mandatory sex testing have been debunked as false. Griner remains a powerful figure challenging gender stereotypes.
Brittney Griner’s Instagram
Brittney Griner actively shares updates on her Instagram account, @brittneyyevettegriner. She posts photos with her wife Cherelle and their son Bash. Her content includes basketball highlights, personal milestones, and moments from the Olympics, allowing fans to connect with her life off the court.
Brittney Griner Net worth
Brittney Griner’s net worth currently stands around $5 million, built through WNBA salaries and endorsement deals. In 2025, she earned approximately $214,000 from her Atlanta Dream contract. Meanwhile, her international play and partnerships significantly boosted her earnings via endorsements and investments.