Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in the history of women’s basketball. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Griner possesses a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that has made her virtually unstoppable on the court. She played college basketball at Baylor University, where she led the Bears to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2012, while earning numerous individual awards including the AP Player of the Year.

Griner was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft. She quickly established herself as the league’s most dominant center, earning multiple All-Star selections and leading the Mercury to a WNBA Championship in 2014. Her ability to dunk in game situations made her one of the most exciting players to watch, and she became a two-time Olympic gold medalist representing the United States at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In February 2022, Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges while traveling to play for her Russian club team during the WNBA offseason. Her detention became an international incident and a major diplomatic issue between the United States and Russia. After nearly 10 months in Russian custody, she was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange. Her story drew worldwide attention and sparked important conversations about the safety of American athletes abroad and pay equity in women’s sports.

Following her return to the United States, Griner made an emotional comeback to the WNBA in 2023. She resumed her career with the Mercury before later being traded. As of 2026, her net worth is estimated at $5 million, bolstered by her WNBA salary, endorsement deals that significantly increased following her release from Russia, a book deal, and media appearances. Her story of resilience has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.