Brittney Griner Says She Plans to Return to WNBA's Mercury After Release from Russia

The women's basketball player is going to return to the Phoenix Mercury next year.

She plans to play for the team in 2023, after returning to the United States following a 10-month stint in a Russian prison.

She was thankful to each person who advocated for her.

After the Russian government agreed to a prisoner swap, President Joe Biden made the announcement that she was on her way back to the US.

NBA Communications @NBAPR

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/Kynxlg3PZV

A Russian court sentenced him to nine years in prison on drug charges. She was arrested in February for trying to bring cannabis oil into the country.

She had been transferred to a Russian penal colony.

The White House press secretary said that Russia wasn't negotiating in good faith when they were talking about a prisoner swap.

The player was playing in the Russian premier league. She has been playing for the club since the start of the league.

She has been a member of the Mercury since being drafted first overall. She has been named to the All-Star team eight times and has won two scoring titles.

The Los Angeles Sparks will be the opponent for the opening game of the Phoenix season.