Brittney Griner signs one-year deal with Phoenix Mercury, according to reports
The two-time Olympic gold medalist was released in December -- after spending nearly 300 days in Russian custody -- in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
abc7news.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
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Brittney Griner has remained active in the WNBA since returning from Russia, with reports in 2026 indicating she continued contract talks and signings beyond her 2023-24 stint in Phoenix. One credible outlet cited a one-year deal with the Mercury in 2023, reflecting her return to the league after her detention. A later report in April 2026 suggested Griner agreed to a seven-figure contract with the Connecticut Sun, illustrating ongoing negotiations and interest from multiple teams in the league. Separate outlets reiterated that Griner signed a one-year return with Phoenix in 2023, underscoring her continued value and status as a marquee free-agent target.[2][3][4]
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The 2023-24 timeframe saw Griner’s return to the Mercury after her 2022 detention, with a reported one-year, $165,100 contract; she then played the 2023 season for Phoenix. This established pattern—short-term deals and high-profile free-agent interest—continued into 2026 according to ESPN-derived reporting that highlighted a seven-figure offer from the Connecticut Sun.[3][5][2]
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Context on contract structures: Griner’s early returns involved relatively modest one-year deals by WNBA standards, often positioned to maximize flexibility for teams and Griner herself. The more recent reports describe seven-figure offers, indicating escalating market demand and Griner’s continued impact on the floor.[2][3]
Key takeaways
- Griner has remained a sought-after player in the WNBA, with teams pursuing multi-year and high-value contracts as of 2026.[3][2]
- Her 2023 return to Phoenix Mercury was covered as a one-year deal; later reports in 2026 point to substantial interest from top teams, signaling potential further moves or longer commitments.[2][3]
- Given the date and multiple sources, the most reliable current status is that Griner continues to be in play as a free agent with significant contract interest from multiple franchises.[3][2]
Would you like me to pull the exact contract terms from the latest articles or summarize how her value has evolved across teams with a timeline? I can also provide a quick table comparing reported deals and teams if you’d find that helpful. Please note I will need to verify with current sources to provide precise figures.[2][3]