Brittney Griner: The Story Behind The Star

Brittney Griner's Net Worth and Salary: Breaking It Down

Let’s talk about Brittney Griner, one of the most iconic figures in women's basketball. This trailblazer has built a net worth of $5 million through sheer talent, determination, and hard work. Standing at an impressive 6'9", Griner isn't just any player—she’s a force of nature who redefined the game with her unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Her journey began at Baylor University, where she left an indelible mark on college basketball, winning an NCAA championship and earning multiple All-American honors. In 2013, she was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Draft.

Griner's professional life has been nothing short of remarkable. She’s been named a WNBA All-Star multiple times, won Olympic gold medals, and claimed a WNBA championship in 2014. While her annual salary in the WNBA has been relatively modest—peaking around $228,000—she’s supplemented her income significantly with overseas contracts. For instance, she earned up to $1 million per season playing in Russia. But her career hasn’t been without challenges. In 2022, she made international headlines when she was detained in Russia on drug charges, spending nearly 10 months behind bars before being released in a high-profile prisoner exchange. Beyond her athletic achievements, Griner has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, becoming the face of groundbreaking endorsements with Nike and later Puma.

Salary & Career Earnings: The Numbers Behind the Game

When Griner was drafted as the No. 1 pick in 2013, her rookie deal paid just over $200,000 over four years. Later, she inked a contract extension worth approximately $554,000, followed by a three-year deal worth $644,544 through 2022. Despite being one of the top stars in the league, her peak WNBA salary in 2022 was around $228,000, bringing her total earnings from the league to roughly $1.5 million over a decade. However, Griner’s overseas ventures have been far more lucrative. For example, she earned $600,000 in just four months with China's Zhejiang club in 2013–14 and reportedly made about $1 million per season with Russia's UMMC Ekaterinburg. These international opportunities highlight why so many WNBA stars supplement their income by playing abroad during the off-season.

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Endorsements: From Nike to Puma

Off the court, Griner's influence extends well beyond the game. She’s secured high-profile endorsement deals with major brands that significantly boost her earnings. After her rookie season, she signed a groundbreaking $1 million contract with Nike, making her the first openly gay athlete endorsed by the brand. Over the years, she’s partnered with companies like Gatorade and Beats by Dre, further amplifying her visibility and income. In 2023, Griner signed an exclusive deal with Puma to headline its women's basketball line, reportedly the largest shoe contract ever for a female basketball player. These sponsorships not only reflect her star power but also her role as a trailblazer in breaking barriers for women and LGBTQ+ athletes alike.

Early Life and High School: Where It All Began

Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Brittney Griner grew up as the youngest of four siblings. As a teenager, she attended Nimitz High School, where she excelled in both basketball and volleyball. During her senior year, Griner led the Nimitz Cougars to the Texas 5A girls' basketball state championship, though they ultimately lost to Mansfield Summit High School. That season, she made history with 52 dunks, including a single-game record of seven dunks against Aldine High School. She also set a record for the most single-season blocks with 318. Her achievements earned her the prestigious title of WBCA All-American.

Collegiate Career: Dominating the Court

Griner’s college career at Baylor University was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, she set a new single-season record with 223 blocked shots, showcasing her dominance early on. In late 2009, she became the first player in Baylor history to post a triple-double. The following year, she became only the seventh female player to dunk during a college basketball game. Her team advanced deep into the NCAA Tournament, where Griner set records for blocked shots in both a single game and the entire tournament. As a sophomore, she earned First-Team All-American honors, and as a junior, she was named AP Player of the Year while helping Baylor win the Division I Women's Basketball Championship. By the time she graduated in 2013, Griner had left an unforgettable legacy, finishing her college career with 40 wins and an undefeated season.

Phoenix Mercury: A Stellar Career in the WNBA

Griner’s professional career began in 2013 when she was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Draft. Her rookie year was nothing short of extraordinary. On her debut, she matched the WNBA career dunk record set by Candace Parker with two dunks. She averaged three blocks per game and continued to improve her stats in subsequent seasons. In 2014, she set a new regular-season single-game record with 11 blocks and helped the Mercury finish with a record-breaking 29-5 season. The team swept the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals, cementing Griner’s status as a star. In 2015, she averaged four blocks per game, setting another WNBA record. Despite several playoff appearances, the Mercury faced tough competition from teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks. Griner’s impact on the court has been undeniable, with career-high performances and consistent leadership.

Offseason Playing Overseas: Expanding Her Legacy

During the WNBA offseason, Griner often plays abroad, where she earns significantly more than her WNBA salary. In 2013-14, she joined the WCBA's Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China, earning $600,000 over four months—a figure 12 times her rookie salary with the Phoenix Mercury. For the next two seasons, she played for Russia's UMMC Ekaterinburg, winning consecutive championships. She re-signed with the team for the following three offseasons, further solidifying her reputation as a global basketball star.

US National Team: Olympic and World Cup Glory

Griner’s accomplishments extend beyond the WNBA. In 2016, she represented the US women’s basketball team at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, helping the team secure a gold medal with a decisive win over Spain. Five years later, she repeated this success at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Beyond the Olympics, Griner and the US team have also claimed gold medals at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 2014 and 2018. Her contributions to the national team have been invaluable, showcasing her ability to perform on the world stage.

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Russian Arrest: A Difficult Chapter

In early 2022, Griner was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia after hash oil was allegedly found in her luggage. The substance is illegal under both Russian and US federal law. With tensions between Russia and the US escalating due to the Ukraine conflict, many feared the complexity of securing her release. On July 7, 2022, Griner appeared in a Russian courtroom and pleaded guilty to drug charges, receiving a sentence of over ten years in prison. However, on December 8, 2022, she was released in a prisoner exchange for convicted arms smuggler Viktor Bout, who had served 11 years of a 25-year sentence for attempting to arm terrorists.

Personal Life: Beyond the Court

Griner identifies as lesbian and publicly came out in early 2013. She’s passionate about challenging traditional gender roles, often modeling menswear through her endorsement deal with Nike. In 2014, she became engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson, but their relationship faced challenges when both were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and assault. Despite this, they married, only for Griner to file for annulment shortly after, citing duress and fraud. The divorce was finalized in 2016. Two years later, Griner got engaged to Cherelle Watson, whom she married in 2019. Off the court, Griner advocates for better travel accommodations for WNBA players, speaking out after being harassed by a YouTuber at a Dallas airport in June 2023.