Britney Griner Signs 1 Year Deal with Phoenix Mercury
By: Joshua Martin
After a tumultuous stint in a Russian prison that lasted nearly 10 months, the six time WNBA all star has reached a one-year agreement to sign with the team that originally selected the Center first overall back in 2013.
Griner was arrested in February of 2022 after she was accused of bringing vape canisters containing cannabis oil into the country. The canisters were prescribed but were packed inadvertently due to Griner’s haste to board a flight.
After negotiations by the Biden Administration, Griner was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
In a statement following her release, Griner admitted that the experience was tough on her emotionally but the love from her supporters kept her spirits up.
“I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going” - Britney Griner
Griner also stated her intentions on resuming her WNBA career, specifically with the Mercury.
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
The team officially announced the two time defensive player of the year’s return with a simple caption that read
“There she is 🧡”
Griner, one of the most decorated players in her sport, has terrorized opponents with her gaudy size and presence (she stands 6 foot 9).
The start of the season is a few months away but Britney intends to pick up right where she left off. The Mercury are just excited as fans to see her make her highly anticipated return to the court.
The news you’ve all been waiting for! BG will be back in a Phoenix Mercury jersey this season 💜
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 21, 2023
Phoenix tips off their 2023 season on May 19th.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com