Brittney Griner and Fellow WNBA Stars Celebrate Playing in the US Offseason

MIAMI — Brittney Griner, the 6-foot-9 WNBA All-Star, is taking the court again this offseason, taking part in the newly formed Unrivaled 3-on-3 league in Miami. After a challenging 2022, where she spent 10 months in a Russian prison, Griner has expressed her relief at being able to play domestically.

Griner, who swore off playing abroad after her traumatic experience overseas, stated, “I feel like something was missing in my offseason; I was used to playing year-round.” She emphasized that this new opportunity will help her remain competitive and ready for the upcoming WNBA season.

She is not alone in this venture. A total of 36 WNBA players have joined Unrivaled, seeking to balance income generation with familial connections. Many players have voiced hesitations about returning to overseas leagues, especially if Unrivaled thrives.

Napheesa Collier, co-founder of Unrivaled, remarked, “We want there to be more for people to choose from.” She highlighted the challenges of life abroad, especially as players transition into different stages in their personal and professional lives.

Kayla McBride, a veteran player with extensive experience in Turkey’s league, echoed similar sentiments, noting, “It would be a hard sell” to return to foreign play. The draw of staying closer to home is becoming increasingly attractive to players.

Unrivaled stands out by offering salaries competitive with its overseas counterparts while ensuring timely payments, a significant improvement over many foreign leagues. Azura Stevens noted, “Just to get our paychecks on time… it’s really been reassuring.”

Meanwhile, Courtney Williams shifted her plans from playing in China to joining Unrivaled after they matched her overseas salary. Her desire to stay home was a key motivating factor in her decision. “You want to be home… decompress in the area that you are comfortable in,” she explained.

Chelsea Gray, who has also played internationally, emphasized the value of international experience but acknowledged the benefits of playing in familiar settings. “There’s some value in going overseas and playing a different type of basketball,” she said, reflecting on her diverse experiences abroad.

Brittney Griner has begun her journey with Unrivaled after spending quality time with her family, including her son and wife. “It’s going to challenge me to play a little bit differently,” she added, as she looks forward to honing her skills and evolving her game.

This coverage is part of the AP’s Inclusive Journalism Initiative designed to provide a broader narrative around sports and culture.

In related news, Phoenix remains a vibrant sports hub, hosting four major professional leagues. The city is home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Attendees of various sporting events can regularly witness exciting matchups throughout the year.