Brittney Griner Announces WNBA Return in First Statement Since Release

After months locked in Russian detention facilities, Brittney Griner has spoken out now that she's safely home.

"It feels so good to be home," the WNBA star wrote on Instagram. "The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help."

She also thanked everyone who had advocated for her, including her wife Cherelle Griner, family, the WNBA and her team the Phoenix Mercury, her legal teams, and politicians and political groups.

She also vowed to use her platform to help bring other Americans who are locked up in the country home.

"As I transition home to enjoy the holidays with my family, I want to acknowledge and thank the entire PISA staff and medical team at the San Antonio Fort Sam Houston Base," she continued. "I appreciate the time and care to make sure I was okay and equipped with the tools for this new journey."

Griner left the message on a note of empowerment, saying that while she was temporarily detained, it's not going to stop her.

"I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say 'thank you' to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon," she said.

The 2023 WNBA season is scheduled to begin in May, giving Griner plenty of time to get back into fighting shape.

Griner was selected by the Mercury with the first overall pick of the 2013 WNBA draft. She and the Mercury won the WNBA Championship in 2014. She's been an 8 time All-Star with the team.

Earlier this month, President Biden negotiated Griner's release in a prisoner swap with Russia. Griner was initially detained in February, when she was arrested on drug smuggling charges at a Moscow-area airport.

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