Brittney Griner , Announces Her , WNBA Return.<br />NPR reports that Brittney Griner has <br />confirmed that she will be playing in <br />the upcoming season of the WNBA.<br />NPR reports that Brittney Griner has <br />confirmed that she will be playing in <br />the upcoming season of the WNBA.<br />The two-time Olympic gold medalist <br />shared the news in her first public statement <br />since being freed from Russia. .<br />The two-time Olympic gold medalist <br />shared the news in her first public statement <br />since being freed from Russia. .<br />Griner took to Instagram to express <br />her thanks to all the people who <br />played a role in bringing her home. .<br />Griner took to Instagram to express <br />her thanks to all the people who <br />played a role in bringing her home. .<br />I intend to play basketball for <br />the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury this <br />season, and in doing so, I look forward <br />to being able to say 'thank you' to <br />those of you who advocated, wrote, <br />and posted for me in person soon, Brittney Griner, via Instagram.<br />The 2023 WNBA season will begin on May 19.<br />In 2021, Griner was the Mercury's <br />top scorer and rebounder. .<br />In February, Griner was detained by Russian <br />authorities and sentenced to nine years <br />in prison on drug smuggling charges. .<br />On December 9, Griner touched down <br />in San Antonio following her release<br />as part of a prisoner swap with Russia. .<br />On December 9, Griner touched down <br />in San Antonio following her release<br />as part of a prisoner swap with Russia. .<br />It feels so good to be home! <br />The last 10 months have been <br />a battle at every turn. I dug deep <br />to keep my faith and it was the <br />love from so many of you that <br />helped keep me going. , Brittney Griner, via Instagram.<br />It feels so good to be home! <br />The last 10 months have been <br />a battle at every turn. I dug deep <br />to keep my faith and it was the <br />love from so many of you that <br />helped keep me going. , Brittney Griner, via Instagram.<br />It feels so good to be home! <br />The last 10 months have been <br />a battle at every turn. I dug deep <br />to keep my faith and it was the <br />love from so many of you that <br />helped keep me going. , Brittney Griner, via Instagram.<br />From the bottom of my heart, <br />thank you to everyone <br />for your help, Brittney Griner, via Instagram
