Is Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner joining the Unrivaled women’s basketball league?

From her more than impressive career in women’s basketball to her highly publicized incarceration in Russia, the Phoenix Mercury’s star has been both inspirational and divisive, but rest assured she remains one of the sport’s biggest stars and with that, her proposed move carries a whole lot of significance.

Brittney Griner set to join Unrivaled

There’s some big news this week, after reports confirmed that the newly formed Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League, a 3-on-3 player-owned league has added a major star to the already impressive list of professional women’s basketball icons who have signed up. Indeed, on Wednesday, the league that is set to feature 30 of the best players in professional women’s basketball, formally announced the addition of Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner.

Naturally, there was a degree of fanfare surrounding the statement which saw the Unrivaled League posting an official announcement video that referenced Griner’s addition. The video was then followed by a post that specifically highlighted Griner’s agreement to join the league which is due to tip off in January of 2025.

For the purpose of context, the new Unrivaled Basketball League was co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. In an effort to give players an offseason source of income, the league was created outside of the varying WNBA contractual requirements. It is understood that Unrivaled plans to offer historic contract opportunities for its players, including the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history, according to a press release.

Griner marks the 24th player out of the promoted 30 who will assumedly be playing when the season tips off in January next year. With her average of 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds this past season for the Mercury, she appears to be an excellent addition.