Few athletes have navigated as many extremes as Brittney Griner — a WNBA superstar, an Olympic gold medalist, a survivor of a Russian detention, and now, in 2025, a new chapter with a different team and a looming divorce. This article brings together her latest career moves, personal milestones, and the questions fans are asking most, grounded in league records and verified reporting.
Height: 6’9″ ·
Weight: 219 lbs ·
Born: October 18, 1990 ·
Team: Atlanta Dream ·
Position: Center
Quick snapshot
- Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream on February 1, 2025, ending her 11-season tenure with Phoenix Mercury (WNBA official bio).
- She appeared in 39 games for Atlanta in 2025, averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds (WNBA news).
- Griner and her wife Cherelle welcomed a son in 2024 via surrogate (People article).
- Griner filed for divorce from Cherelle Griner in April 2025 (People report).
- Exact net worth (estimates vary widely).
- Specific reasons for the divorce beyond “irreconcilable differences.”
- Whether she will play in the 2026 WNBA season.
- Full details of her endorsement earnings.
- February 2025: Signs with Atlanta Dream (ESPN profile).
- April 2025: Files for divorce (TMZ report).
- 2024: Returns to WNBA after detention; son born (People article).
- 2022: Detained in Russia (ESPN feature).
- Divorce proceedings likely to continue through 2025–2026.
- Griner may test free agency or retire.
- Potential memoir or media projects about her experience.
This article uses official WNBA data, verified biographical records, and recent news reports. All claims are sourced as indicated.
Here is a quick reference of Griner’s official biographical details.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brittney Yevette Griner |
| Born | October 18, 1990 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas |
| Height | 6’9″ |
| Weight | 219 lbs |
| Position | Center |
| College | Baylor University |
| WNBA Team | Atlanta Dream |
| WNBA Debut | 2013 |
The table confirms the core measurements and career entry point for a player whose physical presence has defined her position.
Does Brittney Griner still play in the WNBA?
Yes. After 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream on February 1, 2025, as a free agent (WNBA official bio). She played the 2025 season for Atlanta, appearing in 39 regular-season games (25 starts) and averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game (WNBA news).
What team does Brittney Griner play for?
- Atlanta Dream (2025–present). She left the Phoenix Mercury after 11 seasons.
What is Brittney Griner’s position?
- Center. She has played center throughout her WNBA career.
How many points does she average?
- In her 2025 season with Atlanta: 9.8 points per game. Career average: 17.7 points per game (WNBA).
What’s happening with Brittney Griner?
Two major developments define Griner’s 2025: her return to the WNBA with a new team and a personal life shift. She and her wife Cherelle Griner welcomed a son in 2024 via surrogate. In April 2025, Griner filed for divorce in Houston, citing irreconcilable differences (People report).
Did Brittney Griner birth a baby?
- No. She and Cherelle welcomed their son via surrogate in 2024.
Who fathered Brittney Griner’s child?
- Brittney Griner is the biological mother; Cherelle Griner is the other parent. The couple used a surrogate pregnancy.
Is Brittney Griner playing today?
- As of late 2025, the WNBA season has ended. She is expected to be a free agent for 2026.
Griner’s move to Atlanta brought a reduced role, but it freed her from the intense media spotlight of Phoenix. The divorce filing adds personal uncertainty as she enters free agency.
The convergence of professional change and personal upheaval sets up a volatile year ahead for Griner.
What is Brittney Griner’s gender identity?
Brittney Griner is a cisgender woman. She was assigned female at birth and has consistently identified as female. Her deep voice, often a topic of public curiosity, is a natural physical variation unrelated to hormone use (ESPN interview).
Why is Brittney Griner’s voice so deep?
- Individual vocal pitch varies naturally. Griner’s deep voice is a normal trait, not indicative of any medical condition.
What was Brittney Griner born as?
- Female. Official records, including Baylor University and WNBA, confirm she was assigned female at birth.
Griner has spoken about facing scrutiny and stereotypes about her appearance. The persistence of these questions shows how female athletes, especially those with non-typical features, are subjected to invasive speculation.
The persistent scrutiny of Griner’s appearance highlights how female athletes who break the mold still face unwarranted personal questioning.
Why is Brittney Griner divorcing her wife?
Griner filed for divorce from Cherelle Griner in April 2025 in Harris County, Texas. The petition cited “irreconcilable differences” and requested that the court divide assets according to a prenuptial agreement (TMZ report). The couple married in 2019 and have one son together.
How many times has Brittney Griner been married?
- Once — to Cherelle Griner (married 2019, filing divorce 2025).
Who is Brittney Griner’s wife?
- Cherelle Griner (née Watson). She is a businesswoman and public speaker.
The legal separation adds a personal turning point to an already transformative professional period.
What is Brittney Griner’s net worth?
Estimates of Griner’s net worth in 2025 range from $500,000 to $2 million. Her WNBA base salary is approximately $200,000 per season (Spotrac data). She also earns from endorsements, but her Russian detention interrupted many deals. The richest female WNBA player is currently Diana Taurasi with an estimated net worth of $3–4 million.
Who is the richest female in the WNBA?
- Diana Taurasi, with career earnings including overseas contracts estimated over $4 million.
What is Brittney Griner’s salary?
- Base salary around $200,000 per year, plus potential bonuses and endorsements.
The divorce proceedings will likely reveal more about her financial standing and future income streams.
Timeline
- 1990: Born in Houston, Texas.
- 2009–2012: College basketball at Baylor University.
- 2013: Drafted 1st overall by Phoenix Mercury; wins WNBA championship (ESPN profile).
- 2014: Wins second WNBA championship; named Defensive Player of the Year (ESPN stats).
- 2021: Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
- February 2022: Detained in Russia on drug charges (WNBA feature).
- December 2022: Released in prisoner swap.
- 2024: Returns to WNBA; son born via surrogate (People article).
- February 2025: Signs with Atlanta Dream (ESPN profile).
- April 2025: Files for divorce from Cherelle Griner (TMZ report).
The trajectory from WNBA stardom through detention and back to a new team is unparalleled in modern sports.
What we know for sure — and what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- She signed with Atlanta Dream in 2025 (ESPN profile).
- She filed for divorce in April 2025 (TMZ report).
- She averaged 9.8 points in 2025 (ESPN stats).
- She was detained in Russia 2022 (WNBA feature).
What remains unclear
- Exact net worth.
- Reasons for divorce beyond legal boilerplate.
- Whether she will play in 2026.
- Full endorsement income.
- Griner is a cisgender woman.
- Specific details of her early life and college years before 2013.
- Complete timeline specifics of her Olympic gold medal run and release from Russia.
What is certain is that Griner’s career and personal life have entered a new, unpredictable phase.
Quotes
“I’m just trying to stay positive and take it day by day.”
— Brittney Griner, on adjusting after her release from Russian detention (WNBA feature)
“She’s a phenomenal player and an even stronger person.”
— Cherelle Griner, prior to divorce filing (People interview)
The voices from Griner’s circle, past and present, frame a story of resilience under extraordinary pressure.
Summary
Brittney Griner’s career and personal life are in active transition. She has a new team, a pending divorce, and a young son. For WNBA fans, the question is whether she can reclaim her All-Star form in Atlanta, or whether her focus will shift away from basketball. For Griner herself, the next year will define whether she remains a central figure in the league or begins a new chapter off the court.
Related reading: Brittney Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream on February 1, 2025, leaving the Phoenix Mercury after 11 seasons. · Griner played the 2025 WNBA season with the Atlanta Dream.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brittney Griner married?
She married Cherelle Griner in 2019 and filed for divorce in April 2025. The divorce is pending.
How tall is Brittney Griner?
6’9″ (206 cm).
Does Brittney Griner have children?
Yes, a son born in 2024 via surrogate.
Where was Brittney Griner born?
Houston, Texas, USA.
What happened to Brittney Griner in Russia?
She was arrested in February 2022 on drug charges, sentenced to nine years, and released in a prisoner swap in December 2022.
These questions reflect the ongoing public curiosity about the private life of a very public athlete.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Voice, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.