Brittney Griner is embarking on a new journey after 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. The 10-time WNBA All-Star announced on January 28 that she will sign a one-year contract with the Atlanta Dream when free agency opens on February 1. Her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, confirmed the move to The Associated Press.
A New Chapter for WNBA Star Brittney Griner
“Free agency has been everything I wanted it to be, honestly. I was able to find where I wanted to go,” Griner said in a video posted on Instagram. “Honestly, what led me to that decision ultimately was the team, the players. Also my family. I’m thrilled for this chapter.”
Griner, 34, has been a cornerstone of the Mercury franchise since being drafted first overall in 2013. However, the opportunity to play for Atlanta was too good to pass up.
“It was a hard decision since you’re leaving what you know, what I’ve known for my whole career,” she admitted. “There’s an exciting factor of like, OK, this is a rebrand now. I get to show them something different.”
Griner’s move is one of the most significant free-agent signings in the Atlanta Dream’s history. She will join a rising squad featuring 2022 No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard and standout guard Allisha Gray. ESPN reported that Griner also considered offers from the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces before deciding on Atlanta.
Despite facing immense challenges, including a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia in 2022, Griner returned to the court in 2023 and made an immediate impact. She averaged 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, proving she remains a dominant force in the league.
Griner’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, but her resilience has been unwavering. As she prepares to don a new jersey, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her storied career. “My country fought for me to get back,” Griner said last year. “And I was able to bring home gold for my country. There’s just no greater feeling.”