Brittney Griner Sets Record Straight on Retirement Timeline

WNBA icon signs with Connecticut Sun, plans to play 'definitely longer'

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:05pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and powerful movements of a WNBA basketball player, their face and jersey details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.Brittney Griner's continued passion for the game shines through in her refusal to consider retirement, as the WNBA legend embarks on a new chapter with the Connecticut Sun.Houston Today

WNBA legend Brittney Griner signed a seven-figure deal with the Connecticut Sun in free agency, catching many by surprise as the Sun don't appear to be close to contending. However, Griner joining Connecticut makes sense as she'll earn a huge payday and be able to play a bigger role in the offense compared to her limited role with the Atlanta Dream last season. Griner also cited the Sun's upcoming relocation to her home state of Texas as an appealing factor.

Why it matters

Griner is at a point in her iconic career where people wonder if she'll retire after each season. Her clear stance on continuing to play 'definitely longer' unless the game changes drastically speaks volumes about her continued passion and competitive drive.

The details

Griner signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Connecticut Sun, who are relocating to Houston, Texas after the 2026 season. The 35-year-old Griner will be able to play a larger role in the Sun's offense compared to her limited role with the Atlanta Dream in 2025.

  • Griner signed with the Connecticut Sun in free agency last week.
  • Griner made these comments during her introductory press conference with the Sun on April 17, 2026.

The players

Brittney Griner

A WNBA legend and 35-year-old center who recently signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Connecticut Sun, who are relocating to her home state of Texas after the 2026 season.

Connecticut Sun

The WNBA team that Brittney Griner signed with in free agency, who are set to relocate to Houston, Texas after the 2026 season.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that Brittney Griner played for during the 2025 season, where she had a relatively limited role.

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What they’re saying

“The game is changing. You hear that a lot, but it's still jump shots, threes and at the rim. So unless it's something different—we got to jump off walls and do some backflips, I plan on playing definitely longer. I just want to be able to produce. I want to be able to give. When I'm not able to give on the court, mentorship, or whatever it is, then we'll have that talk.”

— Brittney Griner, WNBA Player

“But as of right now, I'm not thinking about retirement.”

— Brittney Griner, WNBA Player

The takeaway

Griner's comments make it clear she has no intention of retiring anytime soon, despite being at the point in her career where many wonder if each season will be her last. Her passion for the game and desire to continue producing and giving back to the sport she's dominated for over a decade is a testament to her competitive spirit and legendary status in the WNBA.