Houston native WNBA star Griner, wife announce new addition to family
Houston native and WNBA basketball All-star Brittney Griner announced that she and her wife Cherelle Griner are expecting a new addition to their family soon.
Brittney and Cherelle Griner posted on Instagram Saturday a photo of their hands next to a sonogram from an ultrasound with the hashtag: #BabyGrinerComingSoon.
“Can’t believe we’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being,” the Instagram post said.
The announcement comes after Phoenix Mercury re-signed the nine-time All-star and champion on April 2.
“BG has been a stalwart of the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix community for the past decade, and we are excited that she will be with us as we build a team that can compete every night on both ends of the floor,” Nick U’Ren, Mercury general manager, said in a statement.
The 2013 No. 1 WNBA draft pick led Mercury to a 2014 WNBA Championship and has played in the postseason in nine of 10 seasons, including six WNBA Semifinals and two Finals appearances, according to the news release.
“Phoenix is home,” Brittney Griner said in a statement. “The love and support my wife and I have received from the organization, community and X-factor over the last 11 years has meant everything to us. I’m excited to continue my career in a Mercury jersey and work towards bringing another championship back to the Valley.”
The Houston native returned to the team last season after coming back to the U.S. following her 10-month detainment in Russia. Griner pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge after Russian authorities said vape cartridges and cannabis oil were found in her luggage. Griner said the incident was unintentional but was sentenced to nine years in prison. Courts rejected her appeal.
She was released in December 2022 in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the Associated Press reported. During the detainment, Griner received support from fans and political leaders who said her detention was politically motivated.
Since returning to the U.S., Griner wrote a memoir, “Coming Home,” about being detained in Russia. In December 2023, she also partnered with ESPN and Disney Entertainment Television to share her story in multiple projects on their platforms, including a documentary from ESPN Films and a limited scripted series from ABC Signature. She also gave an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.