Why did Brittney Griner go to Russia? How many WNBA players are currently playing in Russia and China?


Why did Brittney Griner go to Russia? How many WNBA players are currently playing in Russia and China?

Brittney Griner finally got her release from the custody of the Russians just a day ago. Her arrest took the world by storm and several people believed she was being held hostage by the Russian government, used as a political pawn. She pleaded guilty to her crimes in August and was sentenced nine years in prison. Thankfully, the efforts of the United States government fell through.

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We all know Brittney Griner for her tremendous work with the WNBA. She is arguably one of the best athletes in the WNBA. Griner is a WNBA Champion, 8x All-Star, 2x scoring champion, 8x league leader in blocks, 2x DPOY and a member of the 25th anniversary team. It doesn’t end here as she is a two time Olympic gold medalist.

Now onto the reason why she visited Russia. As we are aware, female basketball athletes are paid much less than their male counterparts. They’re salaries are significantly lesser than the millions NBA players are paid every season. One major reason is because the WNBA is a much smaller league than the NBA in terms of revenue.

Brittney Griner often traveled to Russia to play for the UMMC Ekaterinburg team. Even with them, she was highly successful winning three titles with the Russian National League. Unfortunately, even this year, she was on her to way to make an appearance to play for the team, but her visit was cut short after getting arrested.

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Also read: WATCH: Brittney Griner’s prisoner-exchange video with Viktor Bout LEAKED

Other players that used to compete in Russia along with Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner

Besides Brittney Griner, another Phoenix Mercury legend, Diana Taurasi also used to compete in Russian with the UMMC Ekaterinburg team. Taurasi decided to continue to play in America full time in 2015 and stopped working in Russian, as reported by CNN. A former WNBA player, Janeth Arcain told CNN that playing overseas had its benefits.

“Playing overseas has some positives, as the players are able to improve their style and can increase their individual technique… I don’t think the salaries of the WNBA are enough, so many players will play in other countries to be able to increase their income and be able to have and provide a better quality of life for her and her family members,” said Arcain. Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot are a few other WNBA players who participate overseas. 

Also Read: “Terrible place for a Russian,” Being Gay, Brittney Griner’s time in prison could be ‘worse’

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Also Read: BREAKING: Brittney Griner finally comes in US custody after Russia accepts prisoner swap with Viktor Bout

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