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Brittney Griner is gearing up for her first organized basketball stint during the WNBA offseason in nearly three years, marking a significant step forward after her tumultuous detainment in Russia.
Griner, one of 36 players ing the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, expressed her enthusiasm for this groundbreaking opportunity.
"I'm looking forward to playing year-round again,"Griner shared during Unrivaled's media availability. "After everything that happened, I felt like something was missing in my offseason. This just feels right."
Griner's return to year-round basketball comes after a 10-month ordeal in Russia, where she was detained on drug charges while playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg.
Something new for women's basketball
Her release in December 2022, part of a prisoner swap brokered by President Joe Biden's istration, marked the end of an unimaginable chapter. The Phoenix Mercury star took a well-deserved break between her 2023 and 2024 WNBA seasons but itted she felt a void.
That's where Unrivaled comes in. Set in Miami, the league aims to revolutionize women's basketball by offering players a fresh, innovative platform.
"They're bringing something new to women's basketball, making it exciting and different," Griner said. "The setup here is incredible-from the green room to the off-court marketing spaces. They're really investing in us, and that's what excites me the most."
Something new for women's basketball
For Griner, Unrivaled isn't just about staying sharp for the WNBA season-it's about reclaiming the rhythm of her career.
"This opportunity hit me differently," she said. "I wanted to go back to work year-round, and this is helping me stay fresh and ready for the 'W' to come back around."
Griner's involvement in Unrivaled is a testament to her resilience and love for the game. As one of the league's marquee players, she's poised to not only elevate her skills but also help pave the way for a new era in women's basketball.
"Being part of this feels special," she concluded. "It's not just basketball-it's a movement."