Monday, October 19, 2026

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBC Sports Faces Pivotal Week

The network and its parent company are at a key inflection point.

5 Biggest Storylines of the NBA Season

The 2026–27 NBA season starts Tuesday.

WNBA Finals Goes Hollywood With ‘Orange Carpet’ Show

E! is bringing red carpet coverage to Game 2 of the Finals.

Ballhalla Lays Out the Blueprint For the WNBA

Golden State has sold out every home game this year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/19/26 – NBA Limits Prop Bets, Michigan Benches Underwood, Upsets Shake CFB

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Jul 2, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Blades Brown smiles with his caddie, Brett Swedberg, on the 9th green during the first round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament.

Teenage Phenom’s Pro ‘Gamble’ Paid Off With PGA Tour Record

The golfer turned professional in December 2024 when he was 17.
October 14, 2026

Rafael Jodar Embroiled in Yet Another Ball Kid Controversy

Jodar told a ball boy to “give me the fucking towel.”
October 15, 2026

Blake Griffin: Clippers Salary Cap Punishment ‘Probably Fits’

Griffin played eight seasons with the Clippers and made five All-Star Games.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
October 13, 2026

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Deflects on Messi Confrontation

Garber called Messi “the GOAT of all GOATs.”
October 8, 2026

Caitlin Clark Wants Mitchell Back With Fever Despite Fan Comments

Mitchell said she has yet to make a decision on her future.
October 7, 2026

Jimmy Rollins: MLB Analytics Gurus Undervalue Team Chemistry

“I went to the college of MLB. Where’d you go?”
Aug 23, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Jon Rahm tees off on hole 18 during the final round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.
October 7, 2026

Jon Rahm Will Not Participate in LIV 2.0

Rahm was LIV’s biggest star besides Bryson DeChambeau.