Brittney Greener is wrongfully imprisoned in Russia. 215 days. With the BG arrest at the forefront of their minds and hearts, WNBA players are opting out of competing in Russia this season. Traditionally attracted to the Russian leagues by the combination of high wages and significant resources and facilities, it has become clear that the costs of moving to Russia outweigh the benefits. About a dozen WNBA players competed in Russia last year; None of them will return.
MVP runner-up Breanna Stewart played with Griner at UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia.
“Honestly, my time in Russia was wonderful,” Stewart told the Guardian. But especially since BG is still trapped there by mistake, no one goes there until she’s home. Now I think you know that people want to go overseas, and they want to be in a better place if the money is not much.
Stewart is headed to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce this season.
It has been 214 days since our friend Brittany Griner was wrongfully imprisoned in Russia. It’s time for you to come home. @White House @POTUS @vp We are paying attention and counting on you. #We areBG
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 20, 2022
Joining Stewart in their choice not to return to Russia are finalists Jonkel Jones of the Connecticut Sun, Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky and Emma Messeman of the Chicago Sky. Vandersloot will settle in Hungary, while Jones and Mieseman will both compete in Turkey.
Although she believes she has been treated well by the club and has developed a strong relationship during her time in Russia, Vandersloot has made it clear:
“The thing is, we’ve been treated well at our club and we’ve built a strong relationship with those people, and I’ve never closed the door,” Vandersloot said. “The whole situation with BG makes it very difficult for anyone to think it’s safe to go back there now.”
Still, Russia is off the table as an offseason destination for WNBA players as long as their sister and teammate are incarcerated. In addition to vets like Stewart, Jones, Vandersloot and Messeman, young players unwilling to return to Russia are opting for other opportunities overseas. Ryne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, chose to play in Italy.
After the 2020-21 season, more than 60 percent of the players on the WNBA roster went overseas during the offseason. Traveling overseas to meet their salary takes players away from their homes and families and exposes them to injury and safety risks. With plans to play a maximum of 40 games next season and increase postseason bonus pools, the league continues to push for the possibility of staying at home.
Visit WeAreBG to learn more about what you can do to help.
