1:20
- ABC News
- May 3, 2022
US to negotiate WNBA star's release from Russia
Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
1:20
“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement on Tuesday. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/britney-griner_hpEmbed_20220503-093013_2_3x2_384.jpg\")
Griner, who has been playing for the Phoenix Mercury since 2013, is a seven-time WNBA All-Star.
Jim Pitman, executive vice president and general manager of the Phoenix Mercury, said in a statement on Tuesday that the team will also launch various philanthropic initiatives, including BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, to recognize Griner’s contributions to the community.
“In conjunction with the league, the other 11 teams, and those closest to BG, we will work to keep her top-of-mind as we tip the 2022 season,” he said. “While we await her return, our main concern remains for her safety and well-being.”
Griner’s trip to Russia to play off-season has underscored the issue of pay inequality in professional basketball.
Many WNBA players have traveled around the world to play in the off-season because they don’t make enough money during the season – an issue that is not as prevalent for NBA players who are paid more. The top WNBA salary is $228K, whereas star NBA players can make at least $1 million a year.
Ogwumike, who also traveled overseas to play during the off-seasons, said she believes there is a gender issue at play in Griner's case.
\"When is it not? It's disappointing that the question of it being a gender issue is top of mind now when it comes to this type of circumstance and the reality is she's over there because of a gender issue, pay inequity,\" she said.
ABC News' Conor Finnegan, Courtney Condron, Matthew Stone and Kelly McCarthy contributed to this report.
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