Brittney Griner, born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, is one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball. Standing at 6’9″, she gained fame at Baylor University, where she won an NCAA championship, earned three All-American honors, and set records for blocks and dunks.
Griner was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, winning a WNBA championship in 2014 and earning multiple All-Star selections. She has also represented the US National Team, winning Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021 and FIBA World Cup golds in 2014 and 2018. During WNBA off-seasons, she played internationally in China and Russia, earning up to $1 million per season, supplementing her earnings and expanding her global career.
Financially, Brittney Griner net worth of $5 million, accumulated through her WNBA contracts, overseas stints, and high-profile endorsements with Nike, Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre. Beyond her on-court dominance, Griner has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation, openly coming out as lesbian and marrying Cherelle Watson in 2019. Despite personal and professional challenges—including her 2022 detention in Russia Griner’s resilience, talent, and advocacy have cemented her legacy as both a basketball superstar and an influential public figure.
Brittney Griner Bio:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brittney Yevette Griner |
| Born | October 18, 1990, Houston, Texas, USA |
| Height | 6’9″ (206 cm) |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player (Center) |
| College | Baylor University – NCAA Champion, 3× All-American |
| Achievements | WNBA Championship 2014, multiple All-Star selections, Olympic Gold Medals 2016 & 2021 |
| Overseas | Zhejiang Golden Bulls (China), UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia) |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Nationality | American |
| Personal Life | Openly lesbian; married Cherelle Watson in 2019 |
| Endorsements | Nike, Gatorade |
What Is Brittney Griner’s Net Worth and Salary?
Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $5 million. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball history, the 6’9″ center has transformed the game with her unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism. After a standout collegiate career at Baylor University, which included an NCAA championship and three All-American honors, she was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft.
Griner’s professional achievements include multiple WNBA All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals, and a WNBA championship in 2014. Known for her shot-blocking prowess, she is considered one of the league’s best defenders. While her WNBA salaries peaked around $228,000, she supplemented her income with lucrative overseas contracts, earning up to $1 million per season playing in Russia.
Salary & Career Earnings
As the top pick in 2013, Griner’s four-year rookie contract paid just over $200,000. She later signed a contract extension worth roughly $554,000 and then a three-year deal totaling $644,544 through 2022. Despite being one of the league’s best players, her WNBA earnings over a decade total around $1.5 million.
In contrast, her overseas stints have been far more financially rewarding; for example, she earned $600,000 in four months with China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls in 2013–14 and about $1 million per season with Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg. These contracts demonstrate why many WNBA players compete internationally during the off-season.
Endorsements
Griner has secured several high-profile endorsement deals that significantly boost her income. She made history with a $1 million Nike contract, becoming the first openly gay athlete to sign with the brand. She has also partnered with Gatorade and Beats by Dre. In 2023, she signed an exclusive deal with Puma, reportedly the largest shoe contract ever for a female basketball player, highlighting her influence both on and off the court.
Early Life and High School
Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Brittney Griner is the youngest of four siblings. She attended Nimitz High School, where she excelled in basketball and also played varsity volleyball. In her senior year, she helped lead the Nimitz Cougars to the Texas 5A state championship, finishing with 52 dunks, including a single-game record of seven. She also set a record with 318 blocks in one season and was named a WBCA All-American for her accomplishments.
Collegiate Career
At Baylor University, Griner quickly established herself as a dominant player. As a freshman, she set a new single-season record with 223 blocked shots and recorded Baylor’s first-ever triple-double. She became only the seventh female player to dunk in a college game and set NCAA Tournament records for blocks, including 14 in a single game and 35 in a tournament.
In her sophomore year, she earned First-Team All-American honors. As a junior, she was named AP Player of the Year and led Baylor to an undefeated NCAA championship, finishing with a 40-0 record. She played her final collegiate game in 2013, ending Baylor’s run in the Sweet 16.
Professional Career: Phoenix Mercury
Selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, Griner had an immediate impact. She matched the WNBA career dunk record in her debut and averaged three blocks per game. In 2014, she set a single-game WNBA record with 11 blocks and helped the Mercury to a 29-5 season, culminating in a WNBA championship after sweeping the Chicago Sky in the Finals.
Throughout the following years, she continued to excel defensively, frequently leading the league in blocks while also ranking among the top scorers. Notable highlights include leading the league in scoring in 2017 and 2019, posting a career-high 38 points in a game against the Indiana Fever, and helping the Mercury reach the playoffs multiple times. In 2021, she averaged 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, leading the team to the WNBA Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Sky.
Offseason Career Overseas
During WNBA off-seasons, Griner played abroad to maximize her earnings. She joined China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls in 2013–14 for $600,000 over four months. She later played several seasons with Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg, winning consecutive championships and reportedly earning $1 million per season. These international contracts are a key component of her financial success.
US National Team
Griner has been an integral part of the US Women’s National Team, winning Olympic gold medals in 2016 (Rio) and 2021 (Tokyo). She also helped the team secure gold at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2014 and 2018.
Russian Arrest
In 2022, Griner was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia after hash oil was found in her luggage. She pleaded guilty to drug charges and was sentenced to over ten years in prison. On December 8, 2022, she was released as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange for arms smuggler Viktor Bout, who had served 11 years of his 25-year sentence.
Personal Life
Griner publicly came out as lesbian in 2013 and has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. In 2014, she got engaged to WNBA player Glory Johnson, and the pair married in 2015, despite legal troubles including a short arrest for disorderly conduct. After filing for annulment, their divorce was finalized in 2016. Griner later became engaged to Cherelle Watson, whom she married in 2019. She is known for challenging gender norms, often modeling menswear through her endorsement deals with Nike.
FAQ’s
What is Brittney Griner net worth?
Brittney Griner net worth of $5 million. Most of it comes from her WNBA career and overseas contracts.
Which WNBA team does Brittney Griner play for?
She plays for the Phoenix Mercury. She was drafted first overall in 2013.
What are Brittney Griner’s major achievements?
WNBA Championship in 2014, multiple All-Star selections. Two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021).
Has Brittney Griner played basketball overseas?
Yes, she played in China (Zhejiang Golden Bulls) and Russia (UMMC Ekaterinburg). Her overseas contracts were worth up to $1 million per season.
What is known about Brittney Griner’s personal life?
She is openly lesbian and married Cherelle Watson in 2019. She previously married Glory Johnson (2015–2016).
Conclusion
Brittney Griner is widely recognized as one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball. From her record-setting college career at Baylor University to being the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft for the Phoenix Mercury, she has consistently showcased her skill, athleticism, and defensive prowess. Her achievements include a WNBA championship in 2014, multiple All-Star selections, and Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021, as well as FIBA World Cup victories. Griner has also boosted her career earnings through lucrative overseas contracts in China and Russia, making her one of the most financially successful female basketball players.
Brittney Griner net worth of $5 million, Griner has leveraged her on-court success into high-profile endorsements with Nike, Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation, publicly coming out as lesbian and marrying Cherelle Watson in 2019. Her resilience highlighted by her 2022 detention in Russia and advocacy for social issues have cemented her legacy, proving that her impact extends far beyond the basketball court.
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