Brittney Griner is one of the most famous names in women’s basketball. She’s a WNBA star known for her towering height, powerful dunks, and big plays on the court. But recently, many people have been asking one question:
Is Brittney Griner banned from the WNBA?
Let’s break it down and get to the truth in a fun and simple way!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
No, Brittney Griner is not banned from the WNBA. In fact, she returned to play in 2023 after a tough year in 2022 when she was wrongfully detained in Russia. She continues to be a major part of the WNBA and plays for the Phoenix Mercury. There’s a lot of support around her, both from fans and fellow players.
Who is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player. She was born in 1990 and began making waves in college basketball at Baylor University. Her talent was off the charts! She blocked shots, slammed dunks, and helped her team win big games. After college, she was picked first overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
Since then, she’s been one of the WNBA’s biggest stars. She’s an 8-time All-Star, and she helped Phoenix win a championship in 2014.
What Happened in Russia?
In February 2022, Griner was arrested in Russia for having cannabis oil in her luggage. This happened when she was returning to Russia to play in the offseason for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a team she played for during WNBA breaks.
This was a serious event and made international headlines. She was sentenced to 9 years in prison. People around the world said the punishment was unfair and she was being used as a political pawn.
The U.S. government got involved, calling her wrongfully detained. After nearly 10 months in custody, Griner was released in December 2022 during a prisoner swap deal between Russia and the United States.
So, Was She Ever Banned from the WNBA?
Nope! That’s the simple answer. The WNBA always stood by her during the Russia ordeal. Her team, the Phoenix Mercury, and the league leadership supported her release and welcomed her back with open arms once she returned.
- She wasn’t banned before going to Russia.
- She wasn’t banned during her detainment.
- She definitely wasn’t banned after she got back.
In fact, the WNBA and many fans celebrated her return! Her first game back drew a huge crowd and lots of media attention. The league honored her with applause and love – not punishment.
When Did She Start Playing Again?
Griner returned to the WNBA in the 2023 season. She played her heart out for the Phoenix Mercury and showed that she still had what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Even after everything she went through, she continued to block shots, score points, and lead her team. It was a big moment not just for basketball fans, but for anyone who followed her story while she was detained.
Why Do Some People Think She’s Banned?
There could be a few reasons why some folks think Griner is banned:
- They confused her Russian arrest with a possible WNBA punishment.
- They haven’t seen her on the court recently and assumed the worst.
- Rumors spread quickly online, even if they aren’t true.
But again, these are just false rumors! The truth is very clear — the WNBA has never banned Brittney Griner, and they’ve shown strong support for her throughout her journey.
How Did the WNBA and Fans React?
When Brittney returned in May 2023, she received standing ovations. Her teammates hugged her. The crowd cheered. Even players from other teams cheered for her comeback!
Here are a few ways the WNBA and fans welcomed her home:
- Moment of silence and tributes during games while she was detained
- Social media campaigns like #WeAreBG
- Wearing BG shirts and warm-up jerseys
- Public statements of support from players and WNBA officials
It was more than just basketball — it was a celebration of strength and unity.
What’s Griner Doing Now?
Griner continues to play with the Phoenix Mercury. Off the court, she’s also become an advocate for people detained overseas. She and her wife have spoken about the importance of helping others facing similar situations.
She’s used her voice to push for justice and peace, proving that she’s more than just an athlete — she’s an inspiration.
Is There Any Chance She Will Be Banned One Day?
There’s no sign of that happening. Griner is in good standing with the league. She hasn’t broken any WNBA rules, and she’s shown incredible dedication to her team and the sport.
If anything, her return reminded everyone why she’s such a valuable part of the game.
Fun Facts About Brittney Griner
- She’s 6 feet 9 inches tall!
- She’s one of the few WNBA players who can dunk regularly.
- She has won Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
- She’s a published author and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you’ve heard online or from friends, the truth is simple: Brittney Griner is NOT banned from the WNBA. She’s a star, a fighter, and a role model. Her story shows resilience, strength, and the love of sports fans around the world.
So next time someone asks, “Is Brittney Griner banned from the WNBA?” you can answer with confidence — “Nope, she’s still dunking and dominating!”
And that’s the real deal.