Brittney Griner, a towering figure in women’s basketball, has carved a legacy as one of the most dominant players in WNBA history. Known for her incredible shot-blocking ability and scoring prowess, she continues to inspire both on and off the court.
This article delves into her personal life, career milestones, net worth, and more.
Brittney Griner’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brittney Yevette Griner |
| Nickname | BG |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1990 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| College | Baylor University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | $214,466 |
| Relationship Status | Married to Cherelle Watson |
| Instagram Profile | @brittneygriner |
Brittney Griner’s life is as remarkable off the court as it is on it. Standing at an impressive 6’9”, she has become a global icon for her athletic achievements and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Griner’s journey began with her standout performances at Baylor University.
She became the first NCAA player to score over 2,000 points and block 500 shots—an achievement that set the stage for her professional career.
Early Career
Griner’s basketball journey started at Nimitz High School in Houston, where she gained attention for her ability to dunk—a rarity in women’s basketball.
At Baylor University, she led the Lady Bears to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2012. Her dominance earned her multiple accolades, including AP Player of the Year and the Naismith Trophy.
Professional Career
Drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, Griner quickly made her mark in the WNBA. She helped lead the Mercury to a championship win in 2014 and earned Finals MVP honors.
Over her career, she has been a ten-time All-Star and 3-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA. In 2025, Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream in a historic free-agent move.
Known for redefining the center position, she has career averages of 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Her shot-blocking ability ranks her third all-time in total blocks in WNBA history.
Wife
Brittney Griner is married to Cherelle Watson (now Cherelle Griner). The couple has been open about their relationship and their plans for parenthood; they are expecting a baby boy.
Brittney Griner’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Brittney Griner’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This wealth stems from her WNBA salary, overseas contracts, endorsements, and bonuses.
Despite earning significantly more overseas than in the WNBA (up to $1 million per season), she remains committed to growing women’s basketball domestically.
Career Earnings
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| WNBA Salary (2025) | $214,466 |
| Overseas Contracts (Annually) | $1 million |
| Endorsement Deals | $1 million+ |
Griner’s overseas stints have been particularly lucrative compared to her WNBA earnings.
Endorsements
Brittney Griner has partnered with several major brands over the years:
- Nike: First openly gay athlete to sign a multi-year deal.
- T-Mobile
- BodyArmor
- ESPN/Disney: Documentary deal about her detainment in Russia.
Career Stats
| Category | Record/Notable Opponent |
|---|---|
| NCAA | Only player with 2,000 points & 500 blocks |
| WNBA | Third all-time in total blocks |
| Olympic Games | Three-time gold medalist |
| Notable Opponent | Dominated against Breanna Stewart |
FAQs
1. Who is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player, currently playing for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Known for her dominance as a center, she is a 10-time WNBA All-Star, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a former NCAA champion with Baylor University.
2. What are Brittney Griner’s major career achievements?
Griner has won a WNBA championship (2014), three Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021, 2024), and two FIBA World Cup gold medals (2014, 2018). She also holds the NCAA record for most career blocks (748) and is the only NCAA player to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots.
3. Why was Brittney Griner detained in Russia?
Griner was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. She was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony but was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia.
4. What impact has Brittney Griner had off the court?
Griner is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and anti-bullying initiatives. Following her detainment in Russia, she became an outspoken advocate for Americans wrongfully detained abroad and partnered with campaigns like “Bring Our Families Home.”
5. What is Brittney Griner’s connection to Baylor University?
Griner played college basketball at Baylor University from 2009 to 2013. She led Baylor to an undefeated season and an NCAA championship in 2012. She won numerous awards, including AP Player of the Year (2012, 2013) and Naismith Player of the Year (2012, 2013).
6. What is unique about Brittney Griner’s physical attributes?
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches with an arm span of 87.5 inches, Griner wears a men’s U.S. size 17 shoe. Her height and athleticism have made her one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history.
7. Why did Brittney Griner sign with the Atlanta Dream?
After spending her entire WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream in 2025 to explore new opportunities and align with potential changes in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
8. How has Brittney Griner contributed to Team USA’s success?
Griner has been instrumental in Team USA’s dominance in international basketball, winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021, 2024) and two FIBA World Cup titles (2014, 2018).
9. What challenges has Brittney Griner faced in her personal life?
Griner has been open about facing bullying due to her height and appearance during her youth. She also publicly came out as gay in 2013 and has dealt with personal challenges, including a brief marriage that ended in divorce.
10. What records does Brittney Griner hold in basketball?
In addition to her NCAA blocks record (748), she holds the WNBA record for most blocks in a game (11) and most dunks in league history (26). She also led Baylor to a perfect 40-0 season during their 2012 NCAA championship run.
