• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 24, 2025

WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Russian Detention Extended

  • She will remain in custody in a Russia prison through at least July 2.
  • Griner was arrested Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in custody in Russia through at least July 2 after a Russian court extended her detention. 

Russian state news agency TASS reported Tuesday that the 31-year-old Griner, who has been officially classified as “wrongly detained” by the U.S. State Department, has had her detention extended another 18 days by the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region.

Griner was arrested Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly having vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her bag. It is illegal to possess hashish oil in Russia. She has spent 117 days in a Russian prison.

Griner had been in Russia to play for the Russian Premier League team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. 

On Monday, the Phoenix Mercury announced that members of the organization had met with State Department officials regarding the Biden administration’s efforts to secure Griner’s release.

The WNBA is honoring Griner with a decal with her initials and No. 42 on all 12 of its courts.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA Christmas Day logo during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Has Superior Slate Entering Christmas Face-Off With NFL

The NFL has scheduled Christmas games for six consecutive seasons.
Nov 16, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) reacts after a foul call against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Capital One Arena.

NBA Considering New Rules to Curb Lingering Tanking Issue

The 2019 lottery odds change has not improved tanking.

NBA Players Taking More Control Over Where Fine Money Goes

The NBPA matched $1.6 million in donations in the 2025 offseason.

The Year of the WNBA’s Existential Fight

The CBA loomed over everything in 2025.

Featured Today

Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.
December 14, 2025

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Sep 27, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji (9) takes a shot on goal against the Utah Royals in the second half at PayPal Park.

Some Women’s Soccer Stars Wouldn’t Qualify Under NWSL’s New ‘Rodman Rule’

Players oppose the policy and the union is planning to take action.
Aug 22, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooks Koepka of Smash GC address the media after the quarterfinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort.
December 23, 2025

Brooks Koepka Leaving LIV Golf After Four Years

The golfer’s future on the PGA Tour or elsewhere is unclear.
Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field.
December 24, 2025

DK Metcalf Will Lose More Than $45M After NFL Upholds Suspension

The suspension voids $45 million in guaranteed money.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.
December 23, 2025

NWSL Moves Forward With Star Rule After Players Rejected Plan

Players wanted to raise the salary cap instead.
December 22, 2025

DK Metcalf Suspended Two Games For Swinging at Fan

Metcalf plans to appeal.
December 19, 2025

Naomi Osaka Leaving Agency She Co-Founded Three Years Ago

Osaka co-founded Evolve with Stuard Duguid. 
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.