Brittney Griner Joins Connecticut Sun in Seven-Figure Deal

The seven-time All-WNBA and six-time All-Defensive team selection returns to her home state to lead the Sun's young core.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of vibrant colors, including the team colors of the Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury.Brittney Griner's return to the WNBA with the Connecticut Sun promises an exciting new chapter for the league, blending her veteran leadership with the team's young core.Houston Today

Brittney Griner, a seven-time All-WNBA and six-time All-Defensive team selection, is set to join the Connecticut Sun in a highly anticipated move. The deal marks a significant moment in Griner's illustrious career, as she returns to her home state to lead the Sun's young core of players like Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, Diamond Miller, and Aaliyah Edwards.

Why it matters

Griner's decision to join the Sun is a strategic one, as the team is preparing for their final season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston in 2027. Her presence will undoubtedly elevate the Sun's competitiveness and provide much-needed leadership and experience to the young squad. Additionally, Griner's return to the WNBA after her wrongful detention in Russia in 2022 is a significant moment for the league and women's basketball as a whole.

The details

After spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury, where she won a championship in 2014, Griner left to join the Atlanta Dream last season. However, the move didn't go as planned, as she struggled with minutes, points, rebounds, and blocks, and found herself coming off the bench. With the Sun, she has the opportunity to reclaim her status as one of the league's premier players and leaders.

  • Griner won a championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014.
  • Griner joined the Atlanta Dream last season, but the move didn't go as planned.
  • Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly 10 months in 2022.

The players

Brittney Griner

A seven-time All-WNBA and six-time All-Defensive team selection, Griner is making a highly anticipated return to the WNBA after a stint with the Atlanta Dream.

Leila Lacan

A young player on the Connecticut Sun's roster, part of the team's talented core that Griner will be leading.

Saniya Rivers

Another young player on the Connecticut Sun's roster, part of the team's talented core that Griner will be leading.

Aneesah Morrow

A young player on the Connecticut Sun's roster, part of the team's talented core that Griner will be leading.

Diamond Miller

A young player on the Connecticut Sun's roster, part of the team's talented core that Griner will be leading.

Aaliyah Edwards

A young player on the Connecticut Sun's roster, part of the team's talented core that Griner will be leading.

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What they’re saying

“Brittney Griner's return to the WNBA is a significant moment for the league and women's basketball as a whole. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Connecticut Sun as they build towards the future.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

“I'm excited to join the Connecticut Sun and work with this talented young core. My goal is to help the team reach new heights and compete for a championship.”

— Brittney Griner

What’s next

The Connecticut Sun will hold a press conference on April 15th to officially introduce Brittney Griner as the team's newest addition.

The takeaway

Brittney Griner's move to the Connecticut Sun is a significant moment for the WNBA and women's basketball. Her return to the league after her wrongful detention in Russia, coupled with her leadership and experience, will undoubtedly elevate the Sun's competitiveness and inspire the next generation of players. This move is a testament to the growth and evolution of the WNBA, and it will be exciting to see how Griner and the Sun's young core perform in the upcoming season.