• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

WNBA Star’s Detention in Russia Spotlights Salary Disparities

  • Every year, countless players travel abroad to secure paychecks often double those of top WNBA salaries.
  • This offseason, Griner was one of about 70 players overseas — though other players in Russia or Ukraine have since left.
(Brittney-Griner-WNBA)
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

When WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested and detained in Russia, she was on her way to play overseas — a lucrative offseason activity for WNBA players.

Every year, countless players travel abroad to secure paychecks often double those of top WNBA salaries. This offseason, Griner was one of about 70 players overseas — though other players in Russia or Ukraine have since left.

  • Players could make up to $500,000 including bonuses with the league’s current CBA — but that’s still a fraction of what players make in Russia.
  • Last year, Griner made a little over $221,000 on the Phoenix Mercury, per Spotrac.
  • Griner’s Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg — where she’s played since 2014, and which has attracted numerous WNBA players over the years — pays out millions annually. Diana Taurasi reportedly made $1.5 million playing for the team in 2015.

And while the WNBA claims it cannot fund perks like charter flights, Russian teams reportedly provide players with top-flight accommodations from luxury apartments to personal drivers.

Follow The Money

UMMC Ekaterinburg is located in Yekaterinburg, an enclave east of the Urals — more than 6,000 miles from Griner’s WNBA home in Phoenix. 

It’s a European powerhouse that has won several titles — with the help of funding from Russian oligarchs. UMMC is named after the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company. Its billionaire CEO, Andrei Kozitsyn, serves as team president. 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, UMMC was kicked out of the EuroLeague. Kozitsyn was named in a recent U.S. bill aiming to sanction Russia.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

opinion

Caitlin Clark’s Media Supporters Pushing Harder Against Slights

Dick Vitale, Colin Cowherd, and others are accusing other WNBA players of jealousy.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
Sophie Cunningham

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.
June 30, 2025

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
June 30, 2025

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.