During an emotional press conference in Phoenix on Thursday, Brittney Griner announced that she will never play basketball overseas again unless she’s representing the United States. The 32-year-old WNBA star had been detained in Russia in December, and this was her first time speaking to reporters since her release.
Griner explained that many WNBA players go overseas during the offseason to make extra income and support themselves and their families due to the pay gap. However, she hopes that the WNBA continues to grow and more companies invest in the league so that players don’t have to make these sacrifices.
“If I make that [USA Olympic] team, that would be the only time I would leave the U.S. soil, and that’s just to represent the USA,” Griner said confidently. “So I don’t knock any player that wants to go overseas and make a little bit extra money.”
Griner acknowledged the difficulties of playing overseas and missing out on family events and holidays, but she hopes that things will change in the future. She encouraged reporters to continue covering the WNBA and bring exposure to the league’s talented players.
