• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 5, 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

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

exclusive

Chicago Sky ‘Self-Dealing’ Suit Is Reminder of WNBA’s Painful Past

A minority investor sued team co-founder Michael Alter last week.
Dec 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards mascot G-Wiz on the court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Capital One Arena.

Lakers Center Suspended for Pushing Wizards Mascot

The mascot was not injured after the incident.

Mavericks Deal Anthony Davis to Wizards One Year After Luka Trade

Trae Young and Davis are both extension-eligible with Washington. 
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.

NBC’s First ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ Draws Season-High Viewership

The NBA is averaging 1.85 million viewers this season.

Featured Today

Welcome to the Prediction Market Super Bowl

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being traded across many platforms.
Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
February 3, 2026

Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl

The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.
University of Southern California
January 31, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios

Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
January 30, 2026

Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn

The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.

Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Game to Express Displeasure With Saudi PIF

He’s never won a Saudi title since joining in late 2022.
February 3, 2026

Lindsey Vonn Says She’ll Ski at Olympics Despite Tearing ACL Last Week

Vonn suffered the injury in a Jan. 30 crash.
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New England Patriots as the No. 3 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
February 3, 2026

Drake Maye Is First Super Bowl Quarterback From NIL Era

The brand deal-savvy quarterback was fiercely loyal to UNC.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
February 2, 2026

Everything You Need to Know About the WBC Insurance Controversy

WBC insurance is reportedly more expensive this year.
February 2, 2026

Rybakina Defends Once-Banned Coach After Australian Open Win

Vukov was issued a one-year suspension by the WTA in 2025.
Jan 30, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexander Zverev of Germany in the semifinals of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.
February 1, 2026

Alcaraz Wins Australian Open, Becomes Youngest Man to Win Grand Slam

Alcaraz has won seven Grand Slam titles.
Jan 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
January 31, 2026

Paul George to Lose Nearly $12 Million in NBA Drug Suspension

The Sixer is suspended for 25 games.