Brittney Griner: Journey From High School Phenom To WNBA Star

The story of Brittney Griner is one of tenacity, talent, and triumph in the face of adversity. Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, she emerged as a basketball prodigy, capturing attention with her remarkable skills on the court. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, Griner has made a significant impact in the world of basketball, both in the WNBA and internationally.

What is Brittney Griner's Net Worth and Salary?

Brittney Griner's net worth is approximately $5 million, a reflection of her successful career in professional basketball. At her peak, she earned a salary of $227,000, which is the maximum allowed in the WNBA. Unlike many players, Griner also played overseas, earning substantially higher incomes. In 2014, she commanded a $600,000 contract for a three-month stint with a Chinese team, and in recent years, her earnings from playing in Russia reached around $1.5 million.

Before joining the WNBA, Griner was a standout player at Baylor University, where she became the only NCAA player to both block over 500 shots and score 2,000 points. Her accomplishments with the US women's basketball team further solidified her status as a top athlete, contributing to victories at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Early Life and High School

Brittney Griner grew up as the youngest of four siblings in Houston. During her teenage years, she attended Nimitz High School, where she excelled in basketball and earned letters in volleyball. In her senior year, she made headlines by leading the Nimitz Cougars to the Texas 5A girls' basketball state championship. While they ultimately lost, Griner made a lasting impression, finishing her senior year with an astounding 52 dunks and setting a record for the most single-season blocks with 318.

Her remarkable achievements led to her recognition as a WBCA All-American, showcasing her undeniable talent and paving the way for her future in collegiate basketball.

Collegiate Career

Griner's collegiate career with the Baylor Lady Bears was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, she set a new single-season record with 223 blocked shots and became the first player in Baylor history to achieve a triple-double. In a groundbreaking moment, she became one of the few female players to dunk in a college game. Baylor's success in the NCAA Tournament was partly due to Griner's performance, as she set a new record for blocked shots in the tournament with 14 blocks in a single game.

By her sophomore year, Griner earned First-Team All-American honors, and as a junior, she was named AP Player of the Year. Her contributions helped Baylor clinch the Division I Women's Basketball Championship, finishing the season with an undefeated record of 40 wins.

Phoenix Mercury

Griner's journey in the WNBA began when she was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Her rookie year was remarkable; she matched the WNBA career dunk record in her debut and averaged three blocks per game. Her performance continued to improve, with a standout 2014 season where she averaged 3.7 blocks and helped the Mercury achieve a record-breaking 29-5 season.

In 2015, Griner's defensive prowess was on full display as she averaged four blocks per game, leading to another playoff appearance. Over the years, she established herself as a dominant force on the court, leading the league in scoring and blocks multiple times and consistently guiding the Mercury into the playoffs.

Offseason Playing

During the WNBA offseason, Griner has often played abroad, earning lucrative contracts. In the 2013-14 season, she played for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China, earning $600,000 for four months, which was significantly higher than her rookie salary with the Mercury. For the following years, Griner continued her career in Russia with UMMC Ekaterinburg, winning consecutive championships and reaffirming her status as a top athlete.

US National Team

Griner's talent also shone on the international stage. She played for the US women's basketball team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where the team secured a gold medal by defeating Spain. Five years later, she contributed to another gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Griner's achievements extend to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, where she helped the US team clinch gold medals in 2014 and 2018.

Russian Arrest

In early 2022, Griner faced significant challenges when she was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia for allegedly carrying hash oil in her luggage. This incident garnered widespread media attention, particularly due to the geopolitical tensions between Russia and the US. On July 7, 2022, Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges, leading to a sentence of over ten years in prison.

Fortunately, on December 8, 2022, she was released as part of a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a convicted arms smuggler. This high-profile case highlighted the complexities surrounding international relations and the safety of American citizens abroad.

Personal Life

Brittney Griner has been open about her identity, coming out as a lesbian in early 2013. Through her endorsement deal with Nike, she challenges traditional gender roles by modeling menswear. In 2014, she became engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson, but their relationship faced difficulties, leading to an annulment shortly after their marriage.

Griner later found love with Cherelle Watson, whom she married in 2019. Recently, she has advocated for better travel accommodations for WNBA players, following an incident in June 2023 where she was harassed at a Dallas airport. Griner’s journey continues to inspire many, as she navigates her professional and personal life with resilience and strength.