• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

After 294 Days in Russian Custody, Brittney Griner Is Coming Home

  • Brittney Griner began a nine-year sentence in at a Russian penal colony last month.
  • Griner’s release is in exchange from an arms dealer.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Brittney Griner is going home after beginning a nine-year sentence at a Russian penal colony last month.

The Biden administration negotiated the WNBA star’s release from the penal colony on Thursday in exchange for Viktor Bout, an Arms dealer who served 11 years of a 25-year sentence.

“She is safe, she is on plane, she is on her way home,” Biden said.

Griner, who was detained in Russia in February for allegedly possessing vape canisters with cannabis oil, will be flown to a San Antonio medical facility to receive care.

Griner’s ordeal galvanized communities across the nation in support of the two-time Olympic gold medalist.

“The enormity of this moment cannot fully be captured in words. BG, Brittney Griner, is coming home,” said the WNBPA said in a statement. “Today culminates 294 days of relentless effort to free BG from her wrongful detainment. We, as a Union, have not been whole since February 17, 2022. But, today, our 144 is complete.”

Paul Whelan, a retired American Marine accused of spying, remains jailed in Russia. Biden said he would continue to work to free Whelan.

“There is no greater success than for a wrongful detainee to be freed & for them to go home. The Biden Admin made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, & to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn’t going to,” the Whelan family released a statement.

The WNBPA added: “Today, we also have Paul Whelan and his family in our hearts. We will continue to advocate for the release of all wrongfully detained Americans and reaffirm our commitment to the Bring Our Families Home campaign.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Valkyries Debut Season Sets Stage for Free-Agent Buzz

The Valkyries were eliminated in the first round on Wednesday.
Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Lionel Messi

Messi Near New Deal to Stay in MLS, Miami

His contract with Inter Miami was set to expire in December.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Kawhi Leonard
September 16, 2025

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.