Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player with an impressive career in the WNBA and overseas. However, Griner’s journey has been challenging, as evidenced by her detainment in Russia for nearly ten months in 2021.Â
Despite these challenges, Griner has become one of the most dominant athletes in women’s basketball history, achieving numerous accolades, including two Olympic gold medals and three NCAA championships. Griner is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in LGBT rights and gender equity in sports.
As of May 2023, Brittney Griner’s net worth is $3 million. In this article, we will look at Brittney’s career and how it has helped her to achieve this net worth.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Brittney Griner was born in Houston, Texas, on October 18, 1990, to parents Sandra Griner and Raymond Griner. She grew up in Houston with four siblings and attended Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas. Griner was a standout athlete in high school, playing varsity volleyball and basketball. She was a dominant force on the basketball court and led her high school team, the Nimitz Cougars, to the playoffs in her four years there.
After graduating high school, Griner attended Baylor University, where she became one of the most successful NCAA basketball players in history. Griner helped lead the Baylor Lady Bears to a Division I Women’s Basketball Championship in her first year. She then set an NCAA record for blocked shots in her sophomore year in a single season.
She was named the AP Player of the Year twice and was the first and only NCAA basketball player to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots in a career.
Professional Career
After her successful college career, Brittney Griner was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft.
Griner quickly established herself as one of the best players in the league, earning multiple All-Star and All-WNBA honors. She helped lead the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA Championship in 2014 and has been a dominant force in the league ever since.
In addition to her success in the WNBA, Griner has also played overseas during the offseason. She has played for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. She has also periodically played for other teams in Europe and Asia.
Russian Detention
In 2021, Brittney Griner made headlines when she was detained in Russia for nearly ten months. Griner, who played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA offseason, was arrested by customs service officials after they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport.
The customs service released a video of an individual at the airport who appeared to be Griner going through security. After months of legal proceedings, Griner was finally released in a prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to CBS News.
This incident highlights the challenges that athletes face when playing overseas, particularly when navigating unfamiliar legal systems and cultural norms. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of violating drug laws in foreign countries.
Contracts and Earnings
Brittney Griner has had a successful professional basketball career, with most of her income coming from her sports contracts. Her first WNBA contract was a three-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury worth $1.2 million.
In 2016, she signed a four-year contract extension with the Mercury worth $205,000 annually. This figure was the highest WNBA base salary at the time.
In 2020, Griner signed a multi-year contract extension with the Mercury worth an estimated $215,000 per season. This means that Griner’s annual salary from the Mercury is one of the highest in the WNBA.
However, it’s important to note that the WNBA’s salary cap and maximum player salaries are significantly lower than those of male basketball players.
In addition to her WNBA contracts, Griner has also played overseas during the offseason. She has also played for several teams in Europe and Asia, earning significant income from these contracts.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Like many successful athletes, Brittney Griner has also earned significant money through endorsement deals and business ventures. She has endorsement deals with brands like Nike and T-Mobile, and in 2014, she launched her clothing line called BG25. Her business ventures have helped contribute to her overall net worth.
Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023
With her impressive career and multiple sources of income, it’s no surprise that Brittney Griner’s net worth is $3 million. This figure considers her WNBA contracts, endorsement deals, and other sources of income.
Compared to other WNBA players, Griner’s net worth is one of the highest in the league. However, it’s important to note that the WNBA league max salary is significantly lower than that of male basketball players.
Griner’s estimated net worth is impressive, but it’s essential to consider the larger context of women’s basketball and the gender pay gap in sports.
Personal Life
Brittney Griner has been open about her personal life, including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
She married fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2015, but the two filed for divorce shortly after marriage. Griner is also an Olympic gold medalist, winning two gold medals with the United States women’s national basketball team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Brittney Griner make?
Brittney Griner makes an estimated $215,000 per year from her WNBA contract with the Phoenix Mercury, one of the highest WNBA base salaries. In addition to her WNBA salary, Griner earns income from endorsement deals, business ventures, and overseas contracts, contributing to her estimated net worth of around $3 million.
Who is the highest-paid WNBA player?
Jackie Young of the Aces has an average annual salary of $252,450 and is currently the WNBA’s highest-paid player in 2023.Â
Does Brittney Griner have children?
As of May 2023, no publicly available information suggests that Brittney Griner has any children.
Who is Brittney Griner’s wife?
Brittney Griner married fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2015, but the two filed for divorce shortly after marriage. As of May 2023, she is married to Cherelle Greiner.
What is Brittney Griner’s height?
Brittney Griner is known for her impressive height, standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall. Her size is one of the factors that contribute to her dominance on the basketball court, particularly in the areas of rebounding and shot-blocking.
How much does she make from playing overseas?
Brittney Griner has played for several teams overseas during the offseason, earning additional income from these contracts. However, the exact amounts of these contracts are not publicly available. Griner has played for teams in Europe and Asia, including the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China.
What is Brittney Griner’s home like?
As a private individual, no information is publicly available about the specifics of Brittney Griner’s home. However, as a professional basketball player, she has lived in various locations throughout her career, including in Phoenix, Arizona, where she plays for the Phoenix Mercury, and in Houston, Texas, where she grew up.
Key Takeaway
Brittney Griner’s success as a basketball player and impressive net worth has made her one of history’s most recognizable WNBA players. Her dominance on the court, as well as her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, have made her an influential figure in women’s basketball and the larger sports world. However, while her net worth is impressive, it’s also vital to recognize the more significant issues of gender pay disparity in sports and advocate for equal pay for female athletes.
Brittney Griner’s life story is a fascinating one. Despite facing obstacles early in her life, she has become one of history’s most successful basketball players. Her success on the court, as well as her personal life and advocacy, have made her an inspiration to many.
As with any professional athlete, Brittney Griner’s net worth may fluctuate. In addition, her annual salary and endorsement deals may change depending on various factors, such as team performance, personal success, and market demand. However, given her long and successful career, it’s likely that Griner’s net worth will continue to be impressive for years to come.