Brittney Griner Is the 4th Highest Paid Player in the WNBA
Brittany Griner has been detained in Russia since February 17, 2022, with no “official government access to her.” Griner was arrested last month for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing the marijuana concentrate hashish oil. Despite her woes, the sports star is still one of the best WNBA players in the country. She is also the 4th highest-paid player in the league.
How much does Brittney Griner make per year?
Griner’s record has been impressive, to say the least. The WNBA drafted her as the first overall pick in 2013. During her rookie season, Griner flourished and cemented a name for herself as a dominant defensive force.
In the 2014 season, Griner showed even more mastery averaging 15.6 points in every game, 3.7 blocks, and 8.0 rebounds for every game. That season she set a record in WNBA with 11 blocks. She also became the first player in the league to dunk in a playoff game.
Throughout her career, Griner has been one to set records and perform more than expected. So how much money does she make per year? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Griner’s annual salary is $227,000, which is the league’s cap salary. The site also notes that the basketball player has a net worth of $5 million.
The WNBA’s top-paid athletes
The WNBA has various high-flying players, including Sue Bird, Liz Cambage, and Candace Parker. Most of the league’s players make the maximum base salary of $221, 450. The WNBA’s top-paid athletes are those with super-maximum contracts. Queen Ballers Club ranks Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Jewell Loyd, Griner, and Dewanna Bonner in the top 5.
According to the site, Stewart from Seattle Storm earns $228,094 a year, while Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury earns $228,094. Stewart’s teammate Loyd earns $228,094, while Bonner of Connecticut Sun makes $227,900.
Others on the list include Skylar Diggins-Smith, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Hayes, and Alyssa Thomas.
Brittney Griner’s arrest has caused a stir
Griner, a two-time US Olympic gold medalist, was detained in Russia in mid-February, with CNN reporting that the country has denied the US “official government access.” Like others in the league, the athlete plays outside the country between seasons. Griner was detained at a Moscow area airport after Russian authorities accused her of possessing vape cartridges of cannabis which are considered narcotics.
If found guilty, she could face up to 10 years in prison, which some experts believe could include some time in a labor camp. CNN reiterates that Griner’s locations are still unknown but notes that the Texas congressman had requested consular access to the athlete with fail.
The congressman acknowledged that the current political unrest between Russia and Ukraine looms over Griner’s situation. He, however, confirmed that Griner has remained in touch with her Russian lawyer, who has ensured her family is kept in the loop.
A US House Armed Services Committee member also said that Russia has strict rules regarding LGBTQ individuals but failed to divulge if the laws might impact the athlete’s case and return home. Griner, who is a member of the LGBTQ community, has been married to Cherelle Watson since 2018.
