In a move that sent ripples through the WNBA community, Brittney Griner, one of the most dominant players in the history of the league, has signed with the Atlanta Dream, concluding her 11-year tenure with the Phoenix Mercury.
The news was announced in late January 2025, marking a significant turning point in Griner’s illustrious career. Her departure from Phoenix signals not only the end of an era but also a bold new beginning — one that is deeply intertwined with her personal journey of resilience, activism, and self-discovery.
A Legacy Built in Phoenix
Griner’s career with the Phoenix Mercury was defined by unparalleled success. The 6-foot-9 center, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was drafted first overall by the Mercury in 2013 and quickly made her mark on the court. She led Phoenix to a WNBA Championship in 2014 and became known for her powerful dunks, formidable defense, and rebounding dominance. Over the years, Griner accumulated multiple All-Star selections, All-WNBA honors, and was named Defensive Player of the Year.
However, it was her off-court journey that increasingly drew attention in recent years. Griner’s vocal advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her status as one of the most high-profile openly gay athletes in the world made her an influential figure beyond the basketball court. She became an outspoken advocate for visibility and inclusion in sports, particularly for LGBTQ+ athletes, using her platform to create change.
“I don’t want to be just another face,” Griner said in a 2021 interview with The Guardian. “I want to make sure people know I’m out here, living my truth, and I want others to know that they can do the same.”
The 2022 Arrest and Her Return
Yet Griner’s personal life would soon be thrust into a much darker spotlight. In February 2022, Griner was arrested in Russia for possession of hashish oil, leading to a highly publicized international legal battle that lasted nearly 10 months. She was ultimately sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony, before being released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia.
Her detention became a global cause célèbre, with athletes, politicians, and public figures calling for her release. Support for Griner transcended sports, and her freedom was seen as a victory for human rights, as well as a moment of reflection on the dangers of geopolitical tensions and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals abroad.
“I can’t wait to get back on the court,” Griner said after her release, emphasizing how much her time away had renewed her desire to play. Her story became not just one of personal hardship but one of hope and resilience.
During her time in Russia, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, also became a key figure in the fight for her release. The couple’s marriage became emblematic of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples in the public eye. Cherelle, who works as an attorney, was instrumental in keeping the pressure on the U.S. government to negotiate Griner’s release, and her support was unwavering throughout the ordeal.
“I kept my faith, but I also just wanted Brittney to come home,” Cherelle said in a Good Morning America interview in December 2022. “We’ve always believed in each other, and that belief has only gotten stronger.”
The Move to Atlanta: A New Beginning
Following her return to the U.S. and her emotional reunion with Cherelle, Griner made the decision to move on from Phoenix after more than a decade with the team that had drafted her. She signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, a team that has been on the rise in recent seasons. The move was met with mixed emotions — while fans of the Mercury were saddened to see their star leave, there was excitement about what Griner could bring to a new chapter of her career.
In her first public comments after the signing, Griner expressed how important it was for her to make this transition at this stage in her life. “Phoenix will always have a special place in my heart,” she said. “But I feel like this is the right time for me to embrace a new challenge. I’m ready to bring everything I’ve learned to Atlanta and help this team continue to grow and reach its potential.”
The Dream, led by coach Tanisha Wright, have been building a team around young talent, and adding Griner to the mix adds a seasoned leader with championship experience. The team is expected to compete for a title, especially with the added leadership and defensive presence Griner will bring. Atlanta’s growing basketball culture, combined with Griner’s vision for her next chapter, makes this a compelling story for the WNBA.
Griner’s Impact Beyond the Court
Griner’s career has been defined not just by her accomplishments but by her courage in the face of adversity. As an openly gay athlete, she became a trailblazer, helping to bring LGBTQ+ visibility to a league where diversity and inclusion are increasingly prioritized. Her marriage to Cherelle Griner and her openness about their relationship has provided a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ athletes navigating their own identities in professional sports.
In 2021, Griner was honored with the WNBA’s prestigious Social Justice Champion award for her work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. She also played a major role in supporting organizations that promote women’s rights, and her story continues to inspire young athletes both in the U.S. and globally.
“People have supported me throughout my career, and now it’s my turn to give back,” Griner said in a 2023 interview with ESPN. “It’s bigger than basketball. It’s about creating a world where everyone can be themselves and pursue their dreams.”
Looking Ahead
As Griner embarks on her new journey with the Atlanta Dream, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how she continues to evolve both as a player and as an advocate for change. Though her career with the Phoenix Mercury will always be remembered for its highs, her move to Atlanta is symbolic of a woman who is not afraid to redefine herself and her legacy — both on and off the court.
