Brittney Griner net worth is the total money she has earned from basketball, endorsements, and overseas contracts. It shows her financial success as a professional basketball player. Her net worth is estimated at $5 million.
Fans and sports lovers often wonder how much she really makes. With her WNBA salary, offseason overseas contracts, and deals with Nike and Puma, her earnings are impressive. Let’s uncover the full story behind her wealth.
Griner’s net worth includes her Phoenix Mercury salary, money from playing abroad in Russia and China, and endorsement deals. Her financial journey shows how top WNBA players earn both on and off the court.
Brittney Griner Net Worth Quick Facts
| Fact / Topic | Detail |
| Full Name | Brittney Griner |
| Height | 6’9″ |
| Position | Center |
| WNBA Team | Phoenix Mercury |
| WNBA Draft | 2013, First overall pick |
| WNBA Salary | $227,000–$228,000 per season |
| Overseas Teams | Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg, Zhejiang Golden Bulls China |
| Overseas Contract | $600,000 four-month contract |
| Career Earnings | Includes WNBA salary, overseas contracts, endorsements |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Endorsements | Nike ($1 million+), Puma, Gatorade, Beats by Dre |
| WNBA Championship | 2014 with Phoenix Mercury |
| NCAA Championship | Baylor University |
| All-Star Selections | Multiple (WNBA All-Star) |
| Olympic Medals | Gold (US National Team) |
| Shot-Blocking Records | Career block leader, defensive standout |
| Dunks | Regularly dunks in WNBA games |
| Russian Arrest | 2022, drug charges, prisoner exchange (Viktor Bout swap) |
| Personal Life | Married to Cherelle Watson; previously married to Glory Johnson |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly gay, LGBTQ+ representation |
| Largest Female Shoe Contract | Nike, over $1 million |
| Career Highlights | WNBA Finals, NCAA championship, Olympic gold medals, All-Star selections |
Brittney Griner’s Salary
Brittney Griner, the 6’9″ center known for her incredible shot-blocking ability and dunking skills, has been a dominant figure in women’s basketball for over a decade. She currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury, and her base salary in the WNBA ranges around $227,000/$228,000, depending on the season and contract adjustments.
While WNBA salaries are modest compared to the NBA, Griner’s performance, including multiple All-Star selections and a WNBA championship 2014, ensures she receives one of the league’s highest paychecks. Over her years with the Mercury, she has consistently ranked among the top earners, and her playoff bonuses and incentives add substantially to her total earnings.
The WNBA’s salary system may seem low for such a talented athlete, but it’s important to note that Griner supplements this income through other avenues, including offseason playing abroad and lucrative endorsement deals. Even a modest $228,000 salary in the WNBA becomes part of a larger financial portfolio that significantly impacts her career earnings.
What Is Brittney Griner’s Net Worth and Salary?
Today, Brittney Griner net worth is estimated at around $5 million net worth, which reflects her WNBA salary, overseas contracts, and endorsements. Unlike some athletes whose wealth relies solely on domestic league earnings, Griner has strategically expanded her income through international play.
Her time with Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg and Zhejiang Golden Bulls China brought additional contracts worth over $600,000 for a four-month contract, demonstrating how offseason playing abroad can nearly triple an athlete’s annual income.Salary alone does not tell the full story. Griner’s career earnings, including endorsements, are significant.
For instance, her Nike contract, reportedly exceeding $1 million, and deals with Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre, make her one of the highest-paid female basketball players off the court. These largest shoe contracts for a female basketball player not only boost her net worth but also solidify her influence in sports branding.
| Source | Amount (Approx.) | Notes |
| WNBA Salary | $227,000-$228,000 | Based on latest Phoenix Mercury contract |
| Overseas Contracts | $600,000 | Russia & China offseason deals |
| Nike Contract | $1 million+ | Largest female basketball shoe contract |
| Other Endorsements | $500,000 | Puma, Gatorade, Beats by Dre |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $5 million | Includes career earnings, endorsements, and bonuses |
Salary & Career Earnings
Brittney Griner’s career earnings include more than just her WNBA paycheck. After being selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft 2013, she immediately became a top-tier professional basketball player with strong financial prospects. Her rookie deal with the Phoenix Mercury was modest compared to her current salary, but her consistent performance, including All-Star selections and league-leading block leader status, ensured incremental raises each season.
Playing overseas became a major source of income for Griner. Her stints with Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg and Zhejiang Golden Bulls China provided $600,000 four-month contracts, allowing her to earn more than twice her domestic salary during the offseason. This strategic approach to offseason playing abroad is common among elite WNBA players, highlighting how international contracts supplement domestic WNBA contracts. Over the years, her combination of domestic and overseas income, plus endorsements, has built a substantial $5 million net worth.
Endorsements
Endorsements have always played a crucial role in Brittney Griner net worth. Her Nike contract alone tops $1 million, and she has also partnered with Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre, creating additional streams of income outside the court. Griner’s marketability stems not only from her performance but also her unique identity as an openly gay athlete and her position as a leading figure in LGBTQ+ representation.
Brands value her influence, and her sponsorship deals rank among the largest for any female basketball player.These deals enhance both her income and visibility, allowing her to advocate for social causes while maintaining financial stability.
When combined with her WNBA and overseas salaries, these endorsements make Griner one of the most financially successful female athletes in professional basketball history.
Early Life and High School
Brittney Griner was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in a supportive family environment. From a young age, she showed exceptional talent, particularly in basketball and shot-blocking.
By high school, she had already earned statewide recognition for her skills and athleticism. Her towering 6’9″ center frame made her a dominant force on the court, and she led her team to multiple championships. These formative years were critical in developing the foundation that would later propel her into a stellar collegiate and professional career.
Collegiate Career
Griner attended Baylor University, where she quickly became a national sensation. She led the team to an NCAA championship, earned multiple All-American honors, and broke records with her shot-blocking ability.
Her unique combination of height, athleticism, and skill made her a once-in-a-generation talent. College success elevated her profile and set the stage for being selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft 2013, a moment that marked the beginning of her professional basketball career.
Phoenix Mercury
Joining the Phoenix Mercury, Griner made an immediate impact. Her debut season showcased her ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. Over the years, she helped the team secure a WNBA championship 2014 and numerous All-Star selections. Her presence as a professional basketball player brought national attention, and her ability to dunk in games captivated fans, a rare skill in women’s basketball. With each season, her performance solidified her reputation and contributed directly to her career earnings and net worth.
Offseason Playing Overseas
To maximize her income, Griner frequently engaged in offseason playing abroad, signing contracts with Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg and Zhejiang Golden Bulls China. These deals, sometimes worth $600,000 for just four months, allowed her to earn more in a short period than her entire WNBA regular-season salary.
Beyond money, these stints exposed her to new cultures and competitive environments, enhancing her skills and global reputation as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball.
US National Team
Griner has also represented the United States on the international stage, winning Olympic gold medals with the US National Team. Her contributions to Team USA include key defensive plays and leadership during high-pressure games.
International success not only bolsters her resume but also increases her marketability, which can influence endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities. Her achievements have cemented her status as both a domestic and global basketball star.
Russian Arrest
In 2022, Griner faced a major life challenge when she was detained in Russia on drug charges, leading to a high-profile legal case. Her arrest became international news, and she was later released through a prisoner exchange, famously swapped in the Viktor Bout swap.
This incident temporarily affected her playing career, public image, and sponsorship opportunities. Despite the ordeal, Griner returned to the U.S., maintaining her influence and continuing to play at the highest level, showing resilience both on and off the court.
Personal Life
Brittney Griner is an openly gay athlete, married to Cherelle Watson, and was previously married to Glory Johnson. Her identity and advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation have made her a role model for many aspiring athletes.
Outside of basketball, she enjoys personal hobbies and participates in charitable work. Griner’s lifestyle and public presence contribute indirectly to her career earnings and endorsements, reinforcing her status as a prominent figure in sports and society.
Conclusion
Brittney Griner net worth reflects the journey of a remarkable athlete who has combined talent, strategy, and resilience to achieve financial success. From her early days in Houston to dominating the Phoenix Mercury, playing overseas, and earning Olympic gold medals, she has built a career that extends far beyond the WNBA court. With a combination of $227,000/$228,000 salary, offseason overseas contracts, and high-value endorsement deals, Griner’s $5 million net worth is a testament to her skill, determination, and influence. As she continues her career, her financial and athletic achievements promise to grow even further, inspiring fans and future athletes alike.
FAQs
What is Brittney Griner’s net worth?
Brittney Griner’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million, including her WNBA salary, offseason overseas contracts, and endorsement deals with Nike, Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.
How much does Brittney Griner earn in the WNBA?
Brittney Griner earns approximately $227,000/$228,000 per season with the Phoenix Mercury, including base salary, bonuses, and playoff incentives, making her one of the highest-paid WNBA players.
How much has Brittney Griner earned overseas?
Griner’s offseason playing abroad contracts, including Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg and Zhejiang Golden Bulls China, brought earnings of around $600,000 for four-month stints, significantly boosting her career earnings.
What are Brittney Griner’s major endorsements?
Griner’s endorsements include a $1 million Nike contract, along with deals with Puma, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre, making her one of the highest-paid female basketball players off the court.
How much did Brittney Griner make from her first WNBA contract?
After being selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft 2013, Griner’s rookie salary with the Phoenix Mercury was modest compared to current earnings but included standard WNBA incentives.
What teams has Brittney Griner played for professionally?
Griner has played for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and overseas teams including Russia UMMC Ekaterinburg and Zhejiang Golden Bulls China, maximizing her income through offseason contracts.
Did Brittney Griner win any championships?
Yes, Griner won the WNBA championship 2014 with the Phoenix Mercury, multiple All-Star selections, an NCAA championship at Baylor, and Olympic gold medals with the US National Team.
What impact did the Russian arrest have on Griner’s career?
The Russia arrest 2022 temporarily affected Griner’s career, public image, and sponsorships, but she was later released via the Viktor Bout prisoner exchange and returned to professional basketball.
Who is Brittney Griner married to?
Brittney Griner is married to Cherelle Watson, an openly gay athlete, and was previously married to Glory Johnson, reflecting her visibility in LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
What makes Brittney Griner a standout basketball player?
Griner is a 6’9″ center known for her shot-blocking ability, dunks, defensive records, and leadership on the court, combining height, athleticism, and skill to dominate professional basketball.
Alan Abel is a naming specialist and author at BoldlyNames, with over five years of experience in name research and selection. He helps readers choose meaningful, culturally aware, and well-suited names for people, brands, and projects. Alan’s work combines practical insight, linguistic understanding, and real-world naming trends to deliver clear, reliable guidance readers can trust.