Brittney Griner during a public appearance, wearing glasses and a red shirt. © Twitter (@ ajplus )
Brittney Griner is one of the most recognized figures in women’s basketball, not just for her dominance on the court but also for her activism and personal life. A force in the WNBA and on the international stage, Griner has captivated the world with her unmatched talent, resilience, and powerful voice. This detailed exploration covers everything from her height and career stats to her family, wife, children, net worth, and much more.
Brittney Griner Early Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brittney Yevette Griner |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Parents | Raymond Griner (father), Sandra Griner (mother) |
| Siblings | 3 older siblings |
| High School | Nimitz High School, Houston, Texas |
| High School Sports | Basketball, Volleyball |
| Notable Achievements | McDonald’s All-American, WBCA All-American |
| College | Baylor University |
| Early Interests | Sports, particularly basketball and soccer |
Brittney Griner Height
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Wingspan | 87.5 in (7 ft 3.5 in) |
| Shoe Size | US 17 (Men’s) |
| Position | Center |
| Standing Reach | 9 ft 2 in |
Brittney Griner is 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall, making her one of the tallest professional women’s basketball players. Her height and 88-inch wingspan give her a unique offensive and defensive advantage, making her a dominant presence in the paint. Griner’s height has been crucial to her success as a center, allowing her to block shots and score efficiently.
Brittney Griner Age and Weight
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 33 years old (born October 18, 1990) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
Taken on October 18, 1990, Brittney Griner is currently 34 years old. Despite facing significant private and professional challenges, she has persisted in excelling in her basketball career and remains an influential figure both on and off the court.
Brittney Griner Stats
| Category | Career Stats |
|---|---|
| Points per Game (PPG) | 17.5 |
| Rebounds per Game (RPG) | 7.6 |
| Assists per Game (APG) | 1.8 |
| Blocks per Game (BPG) | 2.8 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) | 57.8% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) | 79.6% |
| Total Games Played | 280+ (WNBA regular season) |
| WNBA Championships | 1 (Phoenix Mercury, 2014) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (USA, 2016 & 2021) |
Brittney Griner’s career stats reflect her dominance in the WNBA and her ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. As of the 2024 WNBA season, Griner has amassed career averages of:
- 17.4 points per game
- 7.6 rebounds per game
- 2.8 blocks per game
Griner’s incredible shot-blocking ability has made her a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year or an eight-time WNBA All-Star. She is also the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocks per game, and her shot-blocking prowess is a crucial feature of her play.
Brittney Griner Wife
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife’s Name | Cherelle Griner (formerly Cherelle Watson) |
| Date of Marriage | June 18, 2019 |
| Profession | Legal advocate and social justice activist |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, law degree from North Carolina Central University |
| Public Appearances | Actively supports Brittney and advocates for social issues, especially during Brittney’s detention in Russia |
| Notable Advocacy | Played a key role in raising awareness about Brittney’s release efforts in 2022 |
Brittney Griner is married to Cherelle Watson, now known as Cherelle Griner. The two linked the knot in June 2019 after Griner’s highly publicized previous marriage and legal battles. Cherelle Griner is a law student who has strongly advocated for Brittney, particularly during her detainment in Russia in 2022.
Before her marriage to Cherelle, Griner was briefly married to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2015. The marriage ended in a complicated divorce shortly after Johnson announced her pregnancy with twins. Despite the public fallout, Griner has since moved on and found stability in her relationship with Cherelle.
Brittney Griner Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million (as of 2024) |
| Annual Salary (WNBA) | $234,936 (2024) |
| Endorsements | Nike and various other sponsorships |
| Overseas Earnings | Up to $1 million per season (Russia) |
| Olympic Bonuses | Earnings from winning 2 Olympic gold medals |
| Real Estate | Owns property in Arizona |
As of 2024, Brittney Griner’sGriner’s estimated net worth is $6 million. That includes her salary from the WNBA, international playing contracts, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. Griner has represented teams globally, including in China and Russia, where players often earn significantly more than in the WNBA. Her financial success is a testament to her hard work and popularity within the sport.
Brittney Griner Olympics
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Appearances | 2 (2016 Rio, 2021 Tokyo) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (2016, 2021 with Team USA) |
| FIBA World Cup | 2 Gold Medals (2014, 2018 with Team USA) |
| International Leagues | Played in China (2013), Russia (2015-2021) |
| Notable International Achievements | Key contributor in both Olympic victories and FIBA World Cups |
| Overseas Success | Multiple championships in Russian league (UMMC Ekaterinburg) |
Brittney Griner has had an illustrious international career, most notably representing the United States in the Olympics. She conquered two Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021 as part of the dominant USA Women’s Women’s Basketball Team. Her role as a defensive anchor and scorer in the paint has been instrumental in securing those victories.
Griner has also played professionally overseas in leagues that offer much higher salaries than the WNBA. She has competed in Russia and China, where her performance on the international stage further solidified her status as one of the best players in the world.
Brittney Griner Children
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Children | None |
| Wife | Cherelle Griner (married in 2019) |
| Parents | Raymond Griner (father), Sandra Griner (mother) |
| Siblings | 3 older siblings |
| Family Support | Close relationship with her family and wife, especially during legal and personal challenges |
| Public Family Life | Brittney and Cherelle advocate for social justice and support each other in public appearances |
Although Griner is not biologically related to the children, she was briefly involved in the twins’ upbringing during her previous marriage to Glory Johnson. The twins, conceived through IVF, were born soon after their marriage ended. While her relationship with the children is complicated due to the legal disputes that followed the divorce, Griner has moved forward and built a new chapter in her personal life.
Brittney Griner Parents and Siblings
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Raymond Griner |
| Mother | Sandra Griner |
| Siblings | 3 older siblings (names not widely publicized) |
| Family Background | Raised in Houston, Texas, with a supportive family environment |
Brittney Griner was born to Raymond and Sandra Griner. Her father, Raymond, is a former Vietnam War veteran and a retired Harris County sheriff, while her mother, Sandra, has been a consistent figure of support throughout Brittney’s life. Griner has three siblings: Decarlo, Pierce, and Shkera. Growing up in a close-knit family, Griner often talks about the influence her parents had on her success, particularly in navigating the challenges of being an openly gay athlete.
Brittney Griner Relationship Cherelle Griner
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partner’s Name | Cherelle Griner (formerly Cherelle Watson) |
| Date of Marriage | June 18, 2019 |
| Profession | Legal advocate and social justice activist |
| Public Support | Actively supported Brittney during legal issues and public appearances |
| Advocacy Work | Engaged in advocacy and awareness efforts, particularly regarding Brittney’s detention in Russia |
| Family Life | Close-knit, with a focus on mutual support and social justice causes |
Cherelle Griner, a strong and independent woman, has played a vital role in Brittney’s life, especially during the turbulent times of 2022. When Brittney was detained in Russia due to a legal dispute over cannabis possession, Cherelle was her staunchest advocate, working tirelessly to secure her release. Their bond has only strengthened since the ordeal, and the couple has become a symbol of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Brittney Griner Salary and Earnings
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| WNBA Salary (2024) | $165,000 (average base salary for top players) |
| WNBA Career Earnings | Approx. $1.2 million |
| Endorsements | Estimated $1 million annually |
| Total Estimated Earnings (2024) | Approx. $1.165 million |
| Contract Details | Signed a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury |
| Additional Income | Revenue from appearances and other ventures |
Brittney Griner’s WNBA salary for the 2024 season is approximately $234,936, the maximum salary allowed under the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement. However, Griner’s earnings extend far beyond her WNBA salary. Her international contracts, especially those in Russia and China, have earned her millions of dollars, significantly boosting her overall net worth.
Brittney Griner Injury History
| Injury | Date | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Knee Injury | 2021 | Missed part of the 2021 WNBA season | Injury required rest and rehabilitation, affected performance |
| Left Ankle Injury | 2020 | Missed a few games | Minor sprain, led to missed games for recovery |
| Back Injury | 2015 | Missed part of the 2015 season | Issue with her back, required treatment and recovery time |
| Head Injury (Concussion) | 2014 | Missed games | Sustained during a game, required time off for recovery |
Like many professional athletes, Brittney Griner has had her share of injuries. Notably, she suffered a knee injury in 2019 that forced her to miss significant time on the court. Despite these setbacks, Griner has demonstrated an incredible ability to recover and return to peak form. Her commitment to fitness and rehabilitation ensures that she remains one of the top players in the league, even after battling injuries.
Brittney Griner Retirement Plans
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Date | Not officially announced; speculation varies |
| Post-Retirement Career | Likely to involve coaching, broadcasting, or advocacy |
| Current Goals | Focused on continuing her career and achieving team success |
| Community Involvement | Plans to remain active in community and philanthropic efforts |
| Endorsement Deals | Possible continued involvement in endorsements and public appearances |
| Personal Interests | May pursue interests outside basketball, such as business or personal projects |
While Griner has not officially announced her potential retirement, she clearly has several more years left at the top of her game. Her resilience, skill, and passion for basketball drive her performance on the court. Fans can expect to see more of Brittney Griner in the coming seasons, as she remains an integral part of the Phoenix Mercury’s lineup.
Brittney Griner Jersey Number
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| WNBA Jersey Number | #42 for the Phoenix Mercury |
| College Jersey Number | #42 at Baylor University |
| Legacy in WNBA | One of the most dominant players in WNBA history Multiple-time WNBA All-Star Two-time WNBA Champion 2021 WNBA Finals MVP |
| Legacy in College | Led Baylor to a national championship in 2012 Three-time NCAA All-American NCAA career leader in blocks |
| Impact on Women’s Basketball | Pioneering figure for women’s sports Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice Inspirational role model for young athletes |
| Hall of Fame Status | Considered a future Hall of Famer based on career achievements |
Brittney Griner wears the iconic #42 for the Phoenix Mercury, which has become synonymous with her dominance on the basketball court. Her legacy, however, extends beyond her jersey number. As one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes in the world, Griner has been an outspoken advocate for equality, both within and outside of the sports world. Her willingness to share her struggles, including her experiences with bullying and discrimination, has inspired countless fans.
Brittney Griner Ethnicity
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1990 |
| Family Background | Grew up in Houston with her mother, Sandra Griner, and father, Raymond Griner. She has two siblings, Decarlo and Dymond Griner. |
| Educational Background | Attended Nimitz High School in Houston; later played college basketball at Baylor University, where she had a standout career. |
| Cultural Impact | Known for her advocacy and representation of African American and LGBTQ+ communities, and her contributions to women’s sports. |
Brittney Griner is of African-American descent. Throughout her life, she has been vocal about the challenges she faced growing up as a tall, openly gay, Black woman in Texas. These experiences have shaped her into the firm, outspoken individual she is today, and they continue to inform her advocacy work.
Brittney Griner Social Media
| Platform | Username/Handle | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @bgriner | Brittney Griner Instagram | |
| @brittneygriner | Brittney Griner Twitter | |
| Brittney Griner | Brittney Griner Facebook | |
| TikTok | @bgriner | Brittney Griner TikTok |
Brittney Griner journey from a high school standout to a global basketball superstar is inspiring. Her towering height, incredible stats, and unwavering dedication to her sport and personal beliefs have firmed her legacy as one of the all-time greats in women’s basketball. From her impressive net worth to her touching relationship with Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
