Martina Navratilova had once again taken to her Twitter to raise her voice for the American basketball star Brittney Griner. The Russian judiciary has detained her in a penal colony after she was found with illegal drug substances in Moscow. Navratilova voiced her concern for the safety of the basketball player. Furthermore, she appealed for her safe and secure return to the country. MARTINA NAVRATILOVA APPEALS FOR BRITTNEY GRINER’S RETURN TO THE US FROM RUSSIA Navratilova took to her Twitter appealing to the US government to bring the basketball player Brittney Griner [https://www.wtatennis.com/head-to-head/140007/50020] back to the US. A Russian court rejected the appeal of her nine-year sentence. White House Press Secretary Karin Jean Pierre asserted that the administration is trying to get the player back to the US earnestly. Moreover, Navratilova took to her Twitter to share the news. Along with that, she stated, “This is just awful… bring Brittney home, please!!!!” The famous basketball player is an eight-time all-star center with WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Not just that, she is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist. READ MORE: ‘Why Are You Lying Like This?’- Tennis World Rejects Chris Evert’s Latest Hot Take on Naomi Osaka, Bianca Andreescu, and Other WTA Stars’ Comeback [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-why-are-you-lying-like-this-tennis-world-rejects-chris-everts-latest-hot-take-on-naomi-osaka-bianca-andreescu-and-other-wta-stars-comeback/] She was found with vape canisters carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. Additionally, she appealed to the court citing the reason that she had packed them in haste and did not intend to create any crime. NAVRATILOVA AND HER STRUGGLES Navratilova had her fair share of struggles when she left her native country after defecting. Because the political regime was oppressive, the player decided to start anew all alone. Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1023743440.jpg]AMAGANSETT, NY – AUGUST 25: Tennis Players Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova attend the 4th Annual JMTP Pro-Am In The Hamptons on August 25, 2018 in Amagansett, New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Being young and alone in a new country did not take away her love and passion for the sport. Navratilova went on to become the world no. 1 tennis player and won 18 grand slam titles during her glorious career. WATCH THIS STORY: Martina Navratilova scoffs at Roger Federer’s Laver Cup for their outrageous prices [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/wta-atp-tennis-i-would-rather-see-beyonce--martina-navratilova-scoffs-at-roger-federers-laver-cup-for-their-outrageous-prices/] She shares one of the most iconic tennis rivalries with famous American player, Chris Evert. All in all, they faced each other a whopping 80 [https://www.wtatennis.com/head-to-head/140007/50020] times on the court with Navratilova finishing on top by 43-37. 

Czech-American tennis player Martina Navratilova appeals for the retrieval of
American basketball star Brittney Griner from Russia.

Shivali Sharma is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. She has pursued her
Master's in history from Himachal University, but her love for the game has
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<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Brittney Griner 2023: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, and More</strong></h2>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023</b></h2>
Brittney Griner is a WNBA center who has played for the Phoenix Mercury for 10 seasons. Griner was the Number 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft after playing four years of college basketball with the Baylor Lady Bears.

<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner holds an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has accumulated this net worth through basketball, deals and endorsements. With the Phoenix Mercury, she has earned approximately $227,000 annually in salary. Since 2013, Griner has amassed a total of over $1.5 million in WNBA earnings during her illustrious ten-year tenure in the league.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1757708" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1757708 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-20T022710Z_472112911_MT1USATODAY20705955_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-PHOENIX-MERCURY-AT-LOS-ANGELES-SPARKS.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner" width="1920" height="1411" /> May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">The 2014 WNBA champion inked a one-year deal worth $165,100 with the Mercury during the 2022-23 offseason. As Griner faced detainment in Russia, the WNBA made a noteworthy decision where she received her complete 2022 salary, which amounted to almost $228,000.</span>

In 2012, Griner received the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. In 2012, the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Griner is one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and a WNBA championship.
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's</b><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><b>Early Life </b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner exhibited her basketball prowess from an early age. She commenced her basketball journey when she was only nine years old, showcasing a natural talent for the sport that would become her passion. Although her family moved around, living in various states, including Oklahoma and Arizona, they ultimately returned to their Texas roots, where she attended Houston's Nimitz High School.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">In her sophomore year, Griner defied expectations by practicing with the boys' basketball team and simultaneously collaborating with a Nimitz football coach to develop her leg strength for dunking. Her remarkable dunks, highlighted in a viral YouTube video during her junior season, captured the attention of basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal, who expressed interest in meeting her.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Following a successful tenure on her high school's varsity basketball team, Brittney Griner garnered widespread recognition from college scouts nationwide. As a result, she received a coveted scholarship offer to join Baylor University's basketball program.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's family and personal life</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas. Raised alongside three older siblings (Decarlo Griner, Shkera Griner, and Pier Griner) by parents Sandra and Raymond Griner, her father's role as a two-tour Vietnam War veteran and Harris County deputy sheriff instilled principles of discipline and dedication in her.</span>

Griner <a href="https://www.espn.in/wnba/story/_/id/9185633/brittney-griner-comes-says-just-are" target="_blank" rel="noopener">came out</a> as a lesbian in an interview in February 2013. She has been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community and her coming out paved the way for many future athletes to do the same. She signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2013 becoming the first openly gay athlete to be endorsed by the apparel giant. During her first marriage with former Tulsa Shock player Glory Johnson, the couple had two twins, Ava and Solei. Griner and Johnson got divorced in June 2016.

<span style="font-weight: 400">Brittney is currently married to Cherelle Griner. Reportedly, the couple got married in 2019. Cherelle is a former teacher who graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. She passed the bar in April 2023.</span>
<h2 style="text-align: left">Brittney Griner's WNBA career</h2>
In the 2013 WNBA draft, the Phoenix Mercury selected Griner as the first overall pick. Griner would flourish in her rookie season, being named a WNBA all-star. In her debut, Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record with two dunks in the same game. The following season, she became the first WNBA player to dunk in a Playoff game. The Phoenix Mercury set the record for most wins in a season as they finished with a record of 29-5. Behind the big 3 of Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Candice Dupree, the Mercury won their third championship in franchise history.

[caption id="attachment_1151204" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1151204 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/rawImage-12-15.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner and Brianna Turner" width="1920" height="1440" /> LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 30: Brittney Griner #42 and Brianna Turner #21 of the Phoenix Mercury talk on the bench in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 30, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)[/caption]

Griner would go on to set various records over the next few years, especially on the defensive end. However, the Mercury always came up short in the Playoffs. She is an eight-time Blocks leader and two-time scoring champion. On top of that, she has made the All-Star team nine times in her glittering career.

During the WNBA offseason, Griner played overseas. After playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China for 1 year, Griner signed with <span class="rt-commentedText tooltip tooltip-dotted" title="Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company">UMMC</span> Ekaterinburg in Russia. She won back-to-back championships there along with teammate Diana Taurasi. Following her detention in Russia, she announced she would never play overseas again unless for Team USA.
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's career timeline</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">The 19-year-old Griner led Nimitz High School to the Texas 5A girls' basketball state championship game in 2009, though they fell short. Griner, standing at 6-foot-7, made an astonishing 52 dunks during her senior year, including seven in a single game against Aldine High School.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">During her freshman year at Baylor, Griner set an NCAA single-season record with 223 blocks and became just the seventh women's basketball player to dunk in college.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">In the NCAA title game, Griner contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks as Baylor triumphed over Notre Dame 80-61. Her stellar performance earned her Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">On April 15, 2003, Griner became the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. During the 2016 Olympics, </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Griner played a vital role in securing the U.S.'s sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Rio Games.</span><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1426443 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/220307080329-01-brittney-griner-file.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" />

<span style="font-weight: 400">Furthermore, she also played a significant part in the U.S. winning its seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, leading the U.S. with an average of 16.5 points. On September 12, 2023, she was honored with the AP Co Comeback Player of the Year Award.</span>
<h2 style="text-align: left">Major achievements</h2>
<p style="text-align: left">WNBA champion (2014)
9× WNBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021, 2022)
2× WNBA scoring champion (2017, 2019)
8× WNBA blocks leader (2013–2019, 2021)
2× WNBA Peak Performer (2017, 2019)
3× All-WNBA First Team (2014, 2019, 2021)
3× All-WNBA Second Team (2015, 2017, 2018)
2x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (2014, 2015)
3× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2015, 2018)
4× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021)
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
3× Russian National League champion (2015–2017)
4× EuroLeague champion (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
Russian Cup winner (2017)
NCAA champion (2012)
NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012)
AP Player of the Year (2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: left">AP Co Comeback Player of the Year (2023)</p>

<h2 style="text-align: left">Brittney Griner's stats</h2>
Griner <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/g/grinebr01w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">averaged</a> 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 31 regular season games during the 2023 season. She won the 2014 WNBA Championship by putting up 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks.

Moreover, the 9x WNBA All-Star has so far played 285 WNBA games in her 10-year-long career, averaging <span style="font-weight: 400">17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.5 steals in 254 WNBA games.</span>
<h2>Brittney Griner's Russia arrest</h2>
On February 17, 2022, Griner was arrested on drug charges in Russia. In early May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being "wrongfully detained", indicating a more aggressive approach toward securing her release.

On May 15, it was reported that the United States and Russia would consider a prisoner swap, with Russia exchanging Griner for international illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had served 10 years of a 25-year federal prison sentence in the United States.

[caption id="attachment_1128491" align="aligncenter" width="612"]<img class="wp-image-1128491 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-1241566619-612x612-1.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner" width="612" height="408" /> US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. - Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)[/caption]

On the second day of her trial, July 7, Griner pled guilty and then said, "<em>But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law.</em>" Griner requested that she be allowed to give testimony to the court as soon as she has had sufficient time to prepare.

On August 4, the court found Griner guilty and sentenced her to nine years in prison. They additionally fined her 1 million rubles (US$16,301).

<span style="font-weight: 400">However, Griner regained her freedom in a high-level prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States, secured in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s endorsements</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">The 6’9” Center’s earnings have seen substantial boosts thanks to endorsement deals with renowned brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Boost Mobile.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s contracts and bonuses</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Prior to her 10th WNBA season, Griner was a free agent and ultimately signed a 1-year $165,100 contract with the Mercury. Following the failure to qualify for the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, Griner once again became a free agent. Her intentions are to re-sign and stay in Phoenix for the foreseeable future. </span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s car collection</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner is very fond of luxury cars. As of 2023, she has a $35,000 Jeep Wrangler, a $140,000 Range Rover Autobiography, and an Audi E-Tron which starts at $74,800.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s s</b><b>ocial media accounts</b></h2>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Active on social media</span></li>
</ul>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brittneyyevettegriner/?hl=en"><b>@brittneyyevettegriner</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/brittneygriner?lang=en"><b>@brittneygriner</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrittneyGriner/">Brittney Griner</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Brittney Yyvette Griner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Brittney</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>October 18, 1990</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td>Houston, Texas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>6'9" (2.06 m)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td>205 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Sandra and Raymond Griner</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Decarlo, Shkera, and Pier</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>African American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$5 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$227,000</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400"> Cherelle Griner</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Gender</span></td>
<td>Female</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>Ava and Solei</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td>Basketball Player</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner 2023: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, and More Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023 Brittney Griner is a WNBA center who has played for the Phoenix Mercury for 10 seasons. Griner was the Number 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft after playing four years of college basketball with the Baylor Lady Bears. Griner holds an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has accumulated this net worth through basketball, deals and endorsements. With the Phoenix Mercury, she has earned approximately $227,000 annually in salary. Since 2013, Griner has amassed a total of over $1.5 million in WNBA earnings during her illustrious ten-year tenure in the league. May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports The 2014 WNBA champion inked a one-year deal worth $165,100 with the Mercury during the 2022-23 offseason. As Griner faced detainment in Russia, the WNBA made a noteworthy decision where she received her complete 2022 salary, which amounted to almost $228,000. In 2012, Griner received the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. In 2012, the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Griner is one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and a WNBA championship. Brittney Griner&#8217;s Early Life  Griner exhibited her basketball prowess from an early age. She commenced her basketball journey when she was only nine years old, showcasing a natural talent for the sport that would become her passion. Although her family moved around, living in various states, including Oklahoma and Arizona, they ultimately returned to their Texas roots, where she attended Houston&#8217;s Nimitz High School. In her sophomore year, Griner defied expectations by practicing with the boys&#8217; basketball team and simultaneously collaborating with a Nimitz football coach to develop her leg strength for dunking. Her remarkable dunks, highlighted in a viral YouTube video during her junior season, captured the attention of basketball icon Shaquille O&#8217;Neal, who expressed interest in meeting her. Following a successful tenure on her high school&#8217;s varsity basketball team, Brittney Griner garnered widespread recognition from college scouts nationwide. As a result, she received a coveted scholarship offer to join Baylor University&#8217;s basketball program. Brittney Griner&#8217;s family and personal life Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas. Raised alongside three older siblings (Decarlo Griner, Shkera Griner, and Pier Griner) by parents Sandra and Raymond Griner, her father&#8217;s role as a two-tour Vietnam War veteran and Harris County deputy sheriff instilled principles of discipline and dedication in her. Griner came out as a lesbian in an interview in February 2013. She has been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community and her coming out paved the way for many future athletes to do the same. She signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2013 becoming the first openly gay athlete to be endorsed by the apparel giant. During her first marriage with former Tulsa Shock player Glory Johnson, the couple had two twins, Ava and Solei. Griner and Johnson got divorced in June 2016. Brittney is currently married to Cherelle Griner. Reportedly, the couple got married in 2019. Cherelle is a former teacher who graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. She passed the bar in April 2023. Brittney Griner&#8217;s WNBA career In the 2013 WNBA draft, the Phoenix Mercury selected Griner as the first overall pick. Griner would flourish in her rookie season, being named a WNBA all-star. In her debut, Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record with two dunks in the same game. The following season, she became the first WNBA player to dunk in a Playoff game. The Phoenix Mercury set the record for most wins in a season as they finished with a record of 29-5. Behind the big 3 of Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Candice Dupree, the Mercury won their third championship in franchise history. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA &#8211; SEPTEMBER 30: Brittney Griner #42 and Brianna Turner #21 of the Phoenix Mercury talk on the bench in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 30, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Griner would go on to set various records over the next few years, especially on the defensive end. However, the Mercury always came up short in the Playoffs. She is an eight-time Blocks leader and two-time scoring champion. On top of that, she has made the All-Star team nine times in her glittering career. During the WNBA offseason, Griner played overseas. After playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China for 1 year, Griner signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia. She won back-to-back championships there along with teammate Diana Taurasi. Following her detention in Russia, she announced she would never play overseas again unless for Team USA. Brittney Griner&#8217;s career timeline The 19-year-old Griner led Nimitz High School to the Texas 5A girls&#8217; basketball state championship game in 2009, though they fell short. Griner, standing at 6-foot-7, made an astonishing 52 dunks during her senior year, including seven in a single game against Aldine High School. During her freshman year at Baylor, Griner set an NCAA single-season record with 223 blocks and became just the seventh women&#8217;s basketball player to dunk in college. In the NCAA title game, Griner contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks as Baylor triumphed over Notre Dame 80-61. Her stellar performance earned her Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four. On April 15, 2003, Griner became the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. During the 2016 Olympics, Griner played a vital role in securing the U.S.&#8217;s sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Rio Games. Furthermore, she also played a significant part in the U.S. winning its seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, leading the U.S. with an average of 16.5 points. On September 12, 2023, she was honored with the AP Co Comeback Player of the Year Award. Major achievements WNBA champion (2014) 9× WNBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021, 2022) 2× WNBA scoring champion (2017, 2019) 8× WNBA blocks leader (2013–2019, 2021) 2× WNBA Peak Performer (2017, 2019) 3× All-WNBA First Team (2014, 2019, 2021) 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2015, 2017, 2018) 2x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (2014, 2015) 3× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2015, 2018) 4× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021) WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013) WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021) 3× Russian National League champion (2015–2017) 4× EuroLeague champion (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021) Russian Cup winner (2017) NCAA champion (2012) NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012) AP Player of the Year (2012) AP Co Comeback Player of the Year (2023) Brittney Griner&#8217;s stats Griner averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 31 regular season games during the 2023 season. She won the 2014 WNBA Championship by putting up 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks. Moreover, the 9x WNBA All-Star has so far played 285 WNBA games in her 10-year-long career, averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.5 steals in 254 WNBA games. Brittney Griner&#8217;s Russia arrest On February 17, 2022, Griner was arrested on drug charges in Russia. In early May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being &#8220;wrongfully detained&#8221;, indicating a more aggressive approach toward securing her release. On May 15, it was reported that the United States and Russia would consider a prisoner swap, with Russia exchanging Griner for international illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had served 10 years of a 25-year federal prison sentence in the United States. US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. &#8211; Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) On the second day of her trial, July 7, Griner pled guilty and then said, &#8220;But there was no intent. I didn&#8217;t want to break the law.&#8221; Griner requested that she be allowed to give testimony to the court as soon as she has had sufficient time to prepare. On August 4, the court found Griner guilty and sentenced her to nine years in prison. They additionally fined her 1 million rubles (US$16,301). However, Griner regained her freedom in a high-level prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States, secured in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022. Brittney Griner’s endorsements The 6’9” Center’s earnings have seen substantial boosts thanks to endorsement deals with renowned brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Boost Mobile. Brittney Griner’s contracts and bonuses Prior to her 10th WNBA season, Griner was a free agent and ultimately signed a 1-year $165,100 contract with the Mercury. Following the failure to qualify for the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, Griner once again became a free agent. Her intentions are to re-sign and stay in Phoenix for the foreseeable future. Brittney Griner’s car collection Griner is very fond of luxury cars. As of 2023, she has a $35,000 Jeep Wrangler, a $140,000 Range Rover Autobiography, and an Audi E-Tron which starts at $74,800. Brittney Griner’s social media accounts Active on social media   Instagram @brittneyyevettegriner  Twitter @brittneygriner  Facebook Brittney Griner    Full Name Brittney Yyvette Griner  Popular Name Brittney  Birth Date October 18, 1990  Birth Place Houston, Texas  Age 33  Height 6&#8217;9&#8243; (2.06 m)  Weight 205 lbs  Parents Sandra and Raymond Griner  Siblings Decarlo, Shkera, and Pier  Nationality American  Ethnicity African American  Net Worth $5 Million  Salary $227,000  Spouse  Cherelle Griner  Relationship/Marital Status Married  Gender Female  Children Ava and Solei  Profession Basketball Player

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<h3>Martina Navratilova 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</h3>
Arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Martina Navratilova was born in born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (Now the Czech Republic).

During the early 70s, Navratilova was the no.1 player in her country. However, she fled her country in 1975 and traveled to America under controversial circumstances, which cost her the citizenship of Czechoslovakia. After coming to the United States, she received American citizenship in 1981.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16828" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Martina-Navratilova.jpg" alt="" width="615" height="409" />

Later, Navratilova reclaimed her Czech Citizenship back in 2008 after her retirement.
<h3>On-Court Achievements</h3>
Although Navratilova started playing at the age of 15, she did not turn professional until 1975. Since then, she has been one of the top women's players on the tour.

Navratilova won her first Grand Slam title in the doubles tournament at the French Open in 1975 with American legend Chris Evert.

Overall in her career, Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles titles. In terms of numbers on the tour, no one can match the former Czech American player's record.

Throughout her career, she won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, the most in the history of tennis. Moreover, she won a record number of 2189 matches on the tour with a percentage of <a href="https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/martina-navratilova" target="_blank" rel="noopener">85.89</a>.

<strong>Read More: <a class="jsx-555d36b3e6439572 article-embed-title" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-a-sad-sad-woman-martina-navratilova-wastes-no-time-to-slam-a-user-who-ridiculed-serena-williams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘A Sad, Sad Woman’ – Martina Navratilova Wastes No Time to Slam a User Who Ridiculed Serena Williams</a></strong>

In 1978, Navratilova became no.1 for the first time in her career and in the same year, she won her first Grand Slam singles title by defeating Chris Evert in the Wimbledon Finals.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1027346" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Chris-Evert-Martina-Navratilova.jpg" alt="" width="759" height="427" />

Notably, Navratilova and Evert had one of the greatest rivalries in tennis as they faced 80 times against each other. In terms of head-to-head record, Navratilova 43-37 record against the American.
<h3>Retirement</h3>
In 1994, Navratilova took a break from tennis, as she decided to retire from the singles competition. However, she continued to play in the doubles tournament.

In 2006, she finally retired from professional tennis. Before retiring, she won the US Open mixed doubles title almost at the age of 50. Thus, she became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title.

[caption id="attachment_1147389" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1147389" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1054578434.jpg" alt="Martina Navratilova" width="1920" height="1280" /> SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 28: WTA legend Martina Navratilova during the Women's Doubles prize ceremonyo n day 8 of the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)[/caption]

After retiring from professional tennis, she became a tennis commentator.
<h3>Personal Life</h3>
In 1981, Navratilova <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-tennis/martina-navratilova-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opened up</a> about her sexuality as she became one of the very first gay athletes in sports history.

In 2014, Navratilova married former Russian model Julia Lemigova and since then the couple is spending their life happily.
<h3>Martina Navratilova: Net Worth 2022</h3>
Navratilova earned around $20 million from all the tournaments she played in. And from endorsements, she earned millions of dollars.

She has an estimated Net Worth of <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-tennis/martina-navratilova-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$25</a> million.
<h3>Martina Navratilova's endorsements 2022</h3>
Among Navratilova's sponsors, Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes are the most popular ones.
<h3>How to contact Martina Navratilova?</h3>
<a href="https://twitter.com/Martina?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/martinanavratilova/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">65</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Wife</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Julia Lemigova</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">America, Czech Republic</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">5 ft 8 inches (173 cm)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$25 million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Endorsements</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements Arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Martina Navratilova was born in born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (Now the Czech Republic). During the early 70s, Navratilova was the no.1 player in her country. However, she fled her country in 1975 and traveled to America under controversial circumstances, which cost her the citizenship of Czechoslovakia. After coming to the United States, she received American citizenship in 1981. Later, Navratilova reclaimed her Czech Citizenship back in 2008 after her retirement. On-Court Achievements Although Navratilova started playing at the age of 15, she did not turn professional until 1975. Since then, she has been one of the top women&#8217;s players on the tour. Navratilova won her first Grand Slam title in the doubles tournament at the French Open in 1975 with American legend Chris Evert. Overall in her career, Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles titles. In terms of numbers on the tour, no one can match the former Czech American player&#8217;s record. Throughout her career, she won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, the most in the history of tennis. Moreover, she won a record number of 2189 matches on the tour with a percentage of 85.89. Read More: ‘A Sad, Sad Woman’ – Martina Navratilova Wastes No Time to Slam a User Who Ridiculed Serena Williams In 1978, Navratilova became no.1 for the first time in her career and in the same year, she won her first Grand Slam singles title by defeating Chris Evert in the Wimbledon Finals. Notably, Navratilova and Evert had one of the greatest rivalries in tennis as they faced 80 times against each other. In terms of head-to-head record, Navratilova 43-37 record against the American. Retirement In 1994, Navratilova took a break from tennis, as she decided to retire from the singles competition. However, she continued to play in the doubles tournament. In 2006, she finally retired from professional tennis. Before retiring, she won the US Open mixed doubles title almost at the age of 50. Thus, she became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE &#8211; OCTOBER 28: WTA legend Martina Navratilova during the Women&#8217;s Doubles prize ceremonyo n day 8 of the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images) After retiring from professional tennis, she became a tennis commentator. Personal Life In 1981, Navratilova opened up about her sexuality as she became one of the very first gay athletes in sports history. In 2014, Navratilova married former Russian model Julia Lemigova and since then the couple is spending their life happily. Martina Navratilova: Net Worth 2022 Navratilova earned around $20 million from all the tournaments she played in. And from endorsements, she earned millions of dollars. She has an estimated Net Worth of $25 million. Martina Navratilova&#8217;s endorsements 2022 Among Navratilova&#8217;s sponsors, Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes are the most popular ones. How to contact Martina Navratilova? Twitter Instagram  Age 65  Wife Julia Lemigova  Nationality America, Czech Republic  Height 5 ft 8 inches (173 cm)  Net Worth $25 million  Endorsements Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes

‘This Is Just Awful..’ – Martina Navratilova Makes a Saddening Plea as Unfortunate News on Brittney Griner Rolls Out

Martina Navratilova appeals for Brittney Griner’s return to the US from Russia

Navratilova and her struggles