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☆ Griner, 'superteams' in focus as WNBA season kicks off
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEW YORK, May 17 (Reuters) - Brittney Griner is back in action for the Phoenix Mercury while the New York Liberty and defending champions Las Vegas Aces are expected to usher in the WNBA's "superteam" era when a new season tips off on Friday. "It was cool, and then at the same time, I was sitting there looking around, zoned out a little bit," said Griner, who will open her season on the road against the Sparks on Friday. I mean, these are some of the best players in the league," head coach Sandy Brondello told reporters this week. She will join reigning MVP A'ja Wilson and All-Star Kelsey Plum, along with two-time champion Alysha Clark, who also signed as a free agent. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Griner plays in WNBA for first time since Russia detention
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"I didn't think I would be sitting here. I didn't think I would be playing basketball this quickly," Griner told reporters after the Sparks handed them a 90-71 loss. Griner was greeted to roars of celebration at Phoenix's Footprint Center on Friday as she exited the tunnel and strode onto the court. "I didn't feel like I was gassed or dying," said Griner, who offered a withering self-appraisal of her defensive performance. The two-time WNBA scoring champion has been subject to enormous media interest since her return to the United States, using her super-sized platform to champion the cause of other Americans detained abroad.

CNN —Nearly five months after she was released from Russian detention, WNBA star Brittney Griner says it feels “a little overwhelming” to return to public life given the widespread interest in her case. Griner spent nearly 300 days in custody before being released as part of a prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December. She has since been reintegrating into life in the United States, meeting with US President Joe Biden, attending the Met Gala on Monday, and preparing for the season ahead with the Phoenix Mercury. “I didn’t think it could get that big,” Griner told reporters during the Mercury’s annual preseason media day on Wednesday. Griner arrives back in the United States in December.

REUTERS/Andrew KellyNEW YORK, May 1 (Reuters) - American basketball star Brittney Griner stepped onto the red carpet at the star-studded Met Gala on Monday, embracing a larger spotlight months after returning home from detention in a Russian penal colony. The twice Olympic champion has pledged to advocate for the release of other Americans detained abroad after she was freed from Russia in a high-profile prisoner exchange after nearly 10 months of detention. "I was able to come home," Griner told Vogue at the gala. "It is everything, to be here with my wife able to be here it means so much," Griner said. Twenty-times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer served as a co-chair of the event while China's twice Olympic champion freestyle skier Eileen Gu was also in attendance.

☆ Phoenix Suns and Mercury will air games on free TV and streaming, becoming first teams to break with bankrupt broadcaster Diamond Sports
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Phoenix Suns and Mercury have become the first teams to move on from the troubled broadcaster Diamond Sports Group. The NBA and WNBA's Suns and Mercury will show their games on TV and streaming going forward. The price of the streaming service hasn't been announced yet, but the teams said fans will be able to watch the Mercury for free for at least the first season. Diamond said the move violates bankruptcy law and previous contracts with the teams that expired recently, the AP reported. Suns CEO Josh Bartlestein told ESPN Diamond's claims were "inaccurate," and it wouldn't stop the teams from moving forward with the new agreement.

☆ The business case for green sports stadiums and arenas is growing
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Ian Thomas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

A general exterior view of Climate Pledge Arena before the game between the Seattle Kraken and the Carolina Hurricanes on October 17, 2022. Much like the broader world of commercial real estate, arenas, and stadiums have been slowly adopting sustainable practices over the last few decades, from recycling programs to energy efficiency efforts. That led to what has become the Climate Pledge Arena. AMBSE has even created a "playbook" for other stadium operators to follow if they also want to get to zero waste. It's reached a level of critical mass where people have moved past greenwashing, and they're making substantive changes to their business practices," Cannon said.

☆ Brittney Griner Expresses Hope for Her Basketball Future, Concern for Americans Still Held Overseas
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Louise Radnofsky | Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Basketball star Brittney Griner landed in the U.S. after being released from a Russian penal colony in a negotiated prisoner swap, a U.S. official said. WSJ examines the events that led to Griner’s detainment, sentencing and release, and what comes next. Illustration: Adele MorganAt a press conference that was styled more as a triumphant homecoming, the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday celebrated the return of its star player Brittney Griner after a 10-month detention in Russia. In her first extensive media availability since being released from a Russian penal colony in December, Griner pledged to fight for the return of other American detainees, without explicitly naming two in Russia whom she was specifically asked about.

☆ Phoenix Suns and Mercury to move games from cable to local network and streaming
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A general view during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury reached a deal with broadcast station owner Gray Television to air the entirety of their regular seasons on local broadcast networks available throughout Arizona. Regular season games for the Suns were previously available on Diamond Sports' Bally Sports Arizona channel. Bally Sports Arizona also airs the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks regular season games. Overall, Gray and Kiswe will carry the Suns games for five years, while the deal with three-time WNBA champion Mercury runs for two years.

☆ NBA's Phoenix Suns sign new TV deal after broadcaster bankruptcy
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Dietrich Knauth | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Apr 18, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) with guard Devin Booker (1) against the Los Angeles Clippers during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsApril 28 (Reuters) - The NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury announced a new television and streaming rights deal for their basketball games on Friday, over the objection of the bankrupt U.S. sports broadcaster that currently televises Suns regular-season games. "Cord cutters, cable subscribers, fans with an antenna – everyone will be able to watch Suns and Mercury games," Ishbia said in a statement. The Phoenix Suns current television broadcast partner Diamond Sports Group said it would oppose the deal. The Suns and Mercury did not disclose financial terms of the new broadcast deal or the terms of the current Diamond Sports contract.

☆ Griner says she held onto hope in first news conference after Russian detention
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was detained in Russia, tears up as she holds a news conference ahead of return to court with Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., April 27, 2023. The two-times Olympic gold medallist was released from one of Russia's most notorious penal colonies in a high-profile prisoner exchange with the United States late last year after she was arrested in February 2022. "I'm no stranger to hard times," said Griner, at an emotional news conference. She said she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States for a chronic injury and never intended to break the law. Griner pledged to dedicate herself to bringing home other Americans detained abroad and announced she and the Phoenix Mercury would partner with Bring Our Families Home to champion the cause.

CNN —Brittney Griner thanked the media for its coverage while she was detained in Russia and for the exposure it provided to help her get back to the United States. Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was moved to tears by the opening question at Thursday’s press conference, but quickly composed herself. Griner had for years played on a Russian women’s basketball team during the WNBA off-season and was detained in a Moscow airport as she traveled back to the US. … You know what you’re waiting on,” Griner said. “You’re waiting to be back with your family.”More to follow.

☆ Brittney Griner Speaks to Reporters for First Time Since Release From Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Kris Rhim | Alan Yuhas | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner, the W.N.B.A. star who became the center of a geopolitical showdown between the United States and Russia last year, is expected to speak with reporters on Thursday for the first time since her release in December in a prisoner exchange. Mercury officials said that Ms. Griner would not discuss her time in Russia at the news conference. She has called for the release of Mr. Gershkovich and others classified as wrongful detainees by the U.S. government. She and Mr. Gershkovich have become the latest in a line of American citizens detained by Moscow under what U.S. officials have described as dubious accusations.

☆ Brittney Griner signs deal to return to Phoenix Mercury
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 21 (Reuters) - American Brittney Griner, who was released from a Russian penal colony last December as part of a prisoner swap, has signed a one-year contract to play for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, the team said on Tuesday. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and eight-time Women's National Basketball Association All-Star, was arrested in February 2022 at an airport outside Moscow for carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She was subsequently convicted of drug smuggling and later transferred to one of Russia's most notorious penal colonies, where former inmates have described torture, harsh beatings and slave labor conditions. Griner was released last December in a prisoner swap with Russia in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, a deal that was arranged after months of talks during a time of high tension between the two countries after Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Brittney Griner signs deal to return to Phoenix Mercury, media reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 18 (Reuters) - American Brittney Griner, who was released from a Russian penal colony last December as part of a prisoner swap, has signed a one-year contract to play for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, ESPN reported on Saturday. The Mercury, who open their 2023 WNBA season on May 19 at the Los Angeles Sparks, did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters to confirm the ESPN report. In her first public statement since her release, Griner said last December that she would advocate for Americans detained abroad and that she planned to return to her WNBA team. Griner last played for the Mercury in the 2021 WNBA season when she had one of the best years of her career and averaged 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 30 games. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Phoenix sign WNBA top scorer Taurasi to multi-year contract
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, has signed a multi-year contract to remain with the Phoenix Mercury, the team said on Saturday. The deal means the 40-year-old Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion whose name is all over the Mercury franchise's record book, will play at least a 19th season in the league in 2023. Taurasi, whom the Mercury selected first overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft, holds franchise records -- either outright or shared -- in 16 categories, including seasons, points scored, defensive rebounds, assists and steals. A five-time Olympic champion, Taurasi averaged 16.7 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds during the 2022 season. The 2023 WNBA regular season is scheduled to tip off on May 19.

☆ Nets forward Durant traded to Suns - reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Brooklyn Nets have traded All-Star forward Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns in a swap deal that includes four other players and future first-round picks, American media reported on Thursday. While Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, Irving moved to the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week, bringing the curtains down on Brooklyn's 'Big Three' experiment. Durant, 34, won back-to-back championships with the Golden State Warriors where he was also named NBA Finals MVP in both title-winning seasons. Both the Nets and the Suns are fifth in their respective conferences. ET on ThursdayReporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Brittney Griner's return could be the unlikely catalyst that forces the WNBA to relent on its most contentious policy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Meredith Cash | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

WNBA free agency is underway, with teams receiving the green light to recruit stars as of this weekend. Top free agent Breanna Stewart has reportedly made charter flights a key issue for teams wooing her. Private flights are not covered by the league's CBA, but Brittney Griner's return may force policy changes. The 2018 MVP took to Twitter to announce that she's prepared to help "subsidize charter travel for the entire WNBA" by offering her "NIL, posts + production hours." Several current WNBA players, including Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, Elena Delle Donne, Napheesa Collier, Alysha Clark, Erica Wheeler, Kahleah Copper, and Natalie Achonwa, offered their support in the comments.

☆ Brittney Griner makes appearance at Phoenix MLK Day march
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Chantal Da Silva | Chantal Da Silva Is A Breaking News Editor For Nbc News Digital Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Brittney Griner made a surprise appearance at an MLK Day march in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday, just weeks after her release from a Russian penal colony. The WNBA star surprised a group who had gathered for the march on what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 94th birthday, attending the event with her wife, Cherelle Griner. Griner, 32, posed for photos with fans and was pictured riding on the back of a golf cart at the event. The Phoenix Mercury star said she was happy to be home after being detained in Russia for nearly a year, NBC affiliate KPNX, which is based in Phoenix, reported. The WNBA star was sentenced to nine years in prison for allegedly possessing the vape cartridges, which she said had been unintentional.

☆ NBA champions Warriors praise Biden on Griner, gun control in White House return
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 17 (Reuters) - WNBA star Brittney Griner and gun control were on the agenda as the Golden State Warriors visited the White House on Tuesday, celebrating their fourth championship title in eight seasons with U.S. President Joe Biden. Klay Thompson and other members of the team chuckled and looked down sheepishly as Biden said, "Let me just say that the Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House," adding emphasis to "this." The Warriors' title win in June capped a remarkable turnaround for the franchise, after the previous two seasons had ended in disappointment. Head coach Steve Kerr and players Thompson and Moses Moody attended a roundtable discussion with senior White House staffers on gun violence and gun control. Kerr famously made an impassioned plea for stricter gun control after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, last year.

☆ Mortgage-Lending Billionaire Mat Ishbia Reaches Agreement to Buy Phoenix Suns and Mercury
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Robert O'Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Mat Ishbia is finalizing an agreement to buy a majority stake in the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury. Mortgage-lending billionaire Mat Ishbia is finalizing an agreement to buy a majority stake in the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Mercury , according to a person familiar with the matter, in deal that values the teams at $4 billion amid a rapidly rising market in sports team valuations. Ishbia would buy control of the teams from Robert Sarver, who put the teams on the market after being suspended by the NBA for violating workplace standards. The deal will be subject to the approval of the league’s board of governors in a 75% majority vote.

☆ Mortgage-Lending Billionaire Mat Ishbia to Buy Phoenix Suns and Mercury
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Robert O'Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Mat Ishbia is finalizing an agreement to buy a majority stake in the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury. A group led by mortgage-lending billionaire Mat Ishbia has agreed to buy a majority stake in the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Mercury, in a deal that values the teams at $4 billion amid a rapidly rising market in sports team valuations. Ishbia would buy control of the teams from Robert Sarver, who put the teams on the market after being suspended by the NBA for violating workplace standards. The deal will be subject to the approval of the league’s board of governors in a 75% majority vote.

☆ Billionaire Ishbia to buy Suns for $4 billion - ESPN
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Dec 20 (Reuters) - Billionaire Mat Ishbia will buy the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Phoenix Suns and women's team the Phoenix Mercury for $4 billion, ESPN reported on Tuesday. The deal would set a record in the league after Joe Tsai bought the remaining stake in the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 in a deal that valued the team at $2.35 billion. The Suns did not immediately respond to a request for comment. American Ishbia is president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage in Michigan. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Recently released basketball star Brittney Griner on Friday thanked President Joe Biden for securing her freedom from Russian captors and vowed to play in the upcoming WNBA season. "I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going," Griner wrote. "President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. Phoenix tips off its 2023 season on May 19 and Griner left no doubt she'd be in uniform. Griner, 32, is one of basketball's most decorated stars, with a gold medal from the 2016 Olympics and a WNBA ring from 2014.

[1/2] U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, is escorted before a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia July 27, 2022. Griner arrived at the medical center last Friday after U.S. officials secured her freedom from Russia in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner, 32, was arrested on Feb. 17 at an airport outside Moscow for carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. U.S. officials pressed for the release of both Griner and Whelan, who is being held on what Washington called "sham" espionage charges, a Biden administration official said. "(I) encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home," said Griner.

Black women played a critical role in securing Griner’s release, advocates say. “It was painful for so many, particularly Black women, to see another Black woman be in those harsh conditions, to just see the pain in her face,” Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, told The Hill. The Win With Black Women collective received 1,200 signatures of women in a letter of support for Griner that they sent to the Biden administration in July. So the idea was to keep the awareness going and build a coalition.”Griner’s case has renewed conversations about the vulnerability of Black women in America, especially Black queer women. Monica Simpson, the executive director of SisterSong, highlighted this vulnerability, and Black women’s collective power, in a statement to NBC News.

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