Brittney Griner Height 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm). Brittney Griner is a professional basketball player known for her exceptional height, dominant defensive skills, and elite shot-blocking ability.
She plays as a center for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and has been one of the league’s most influential athletes. Griner gained national recognition during her college career at Baylor University, where she led the team to an NCAA Championship in 2012 and won multiple Player of the Year awards.
A WNBA Champion, multiple-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist, she is one of the few women to dunk in professional games. Her impact extends beyond basketball, as she is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
In 2022, she made international headlines after being detained in Russia, later returning to the U.S. after a prisoner exchange. Despite challenges, Griner remains a resilient athlete, continuing to inspire fans and aspiring players worldwide.
Brittney Griner Biography/wiki
Category | Details |
Full Name | Brittney Yevette Griner |
Date of Birth | October 18, 1990 |
Age | 34 years old |
Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
Education | Baylor University (2009–2013) |
High School | Nimitz High School, Houston, Texas |
Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
WNBA Team | Phoenix Mercury (2013–present) |
Position | Center |
Jersey Number | #42 |
WNBA Draft | 2013, Round 1, Pick 1 (Phoenix Mercury) |
College Honors | NCAA Champion (2012), AP Player of the Year (2012) |
WNBA Titles | WNBA Champion (2014) |
Olympic Medals | 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, 2021) |
Spouse | Cherelle Griner (m. 2019) |
Ex-Spouse | Glory Johnson (m. 2015; div. 2016) |
Parents | Raymond Griner (Father), Sandra Griner (Mother) |
Notable Events | Detained in Russia (2022); Released in prisoner swap (2022) |
Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
Who Is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.
Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, she gained national attention for her dominance in high school basketball before playing college basketball at Baylor University from 2009 to 2013. At Baylor, she led the team to an NCAA Championship in 2012 and won multiple awards, including AP Player of the Year.
In the 2013 WNBA Draft, she was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury. Known for her shot-blocking, scoring ability, and dunking, she quickly became one of the league’s most dominant players.
She won a WNBA Championship in 2014 and has been named to multiple WNBA All-Star teams. Griner also represented Team USA, winning gold medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games.
Off the court, Griner has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was one of the first openly gay athletes in professional basketball. She married Cherelle Griner in 2019 after previously being married to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.
In February 2022, Griner was arrested in Russia on drug-related charges and sentenced to nine years in prison. Her detention became an international issue, and after months of negotiations, she was released in a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia in December 2022.
Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023 and continues to be an influential figure in women’s basketball, known for her impact both on and off the court.
Brittney Griner Early Life and Family
Brittney Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, to Raymond Griner and Sandra Griner. She is the youngest of four siblings and grew up in a disciplined household. Her father, Raymond Griner, is a Vietnam War veteran and former Harris County sheriff, while her mother, Sandra Griner, was a homemaker.
From a young age, Griner showed an interest in sports, initially playing soccer and volleyball before focusing on basketball. Due to her height and athleticism, she quickly became a standout player at Nimitz High School in Houston. She also practiced with the boys’ football team to improve her strength and agility.
Growing up, Griner faced challenges, including bullying for her height and appearance. Despite this, she embraced her identity and later became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She came out as gay during her college years and has been vocal about her experiences as an LGBTQ+ athlete.
Her family played a significant role in shaping her career, though her father initially struggled to accept her sexuality. Over time, they rebuilt their relationship, and Griner credits her family for supporting her basketball journey.
Brittney Griner Nationality And Ethnicity
Brittney Griner’s nationality is American, as she was born in Houston, Texas, USA.
Her ethnicity is African American.
Brittney Griner Amazing Career
Brittney Griner has had an amazing career as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history.
She gained national recognition in high school at Nimitz High School in Houston, Texas, where she set records for blocked shots and dunking in games. Her talent earned her a scholarship to Baylor University, where she played from 2009 to 2013.
During her college career, she led Baylor to an undefeated season and an NCAA Championship in 2012. She won multiple awards, including AP Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
In the 2013 WNBA Draft, she was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury. She made an immediate impact in the WNBA, becoming an 8× WNBA All-Star and one of the league’s top scorers and defenders.
She helped the Mercury win the 2014 WNBA Championship, leading the league in blocks and becoming known for her dunking ability.
Griner has also been a key player for Team USA, winning gold medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. She has played internationally, competing for teams in China and Russia during the WNBA offseason.
In 2022, her career was briefly interrupted when she was detained in Russia on drug charges, leading to international controversy. After spending 10 months in prison, she was released in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange in December 2022. She made a strong comeback in 2023, returning to the Phoenix Mercury and continuing to be a dominant force in the WNBA.
Brittney Griner’s career is defined by record-breaking performances, championship wins, and resilience, making her one of the most influential and inspiring basketball players of her generation.
Brittney Griner Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) |
Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Body Type | Athletic |
Wingspan | 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) |
Shoe Size | 17 (US) |
Brittney Griner Husband/Boyfriend And Relationship
Brittney Griner is currently married to Cherelle Griner. The couple got engaged in 2018 and married in June 2019. Cherelle, formerly known as Cherelle Watson, is a law graduate and a strong supporter of Brittney, especially during her detention in Russia in 2022.
Before her marriage to Cherelle, Griner was previously married to Glory Johnson, a fellow WNBA player. They got engaged in 2014 and married in May 2015. However, their relationship was troubled, and they filed for divorce in 2016, just months after Glory announced her pregnancy with twins.
Currently, Brittney and Cherelle share a strong and supportive relationship, with Cherelle actively advocating for Brittney’s rights and career.
Brittney Griner Net Worth
Category | Details |
Net Worth | $5 Million (Approx.) |
Annual Salary (WNBA) | Around $165,100 (2023) |
Endorsements | Nike, Other Deals |
Primary Income Sources | WNBA Salary, Overseas Contracts, Endorsements |
Overseas Earnings | Over $1 Million per season (Russia & China) |
House & Assets | Owns a home in Arizona |
Brittney Griner Future Plan and Goals
Brittney Griner has expressed several future plans and goals, both in her basketball career and personal life.
In terms of her WNBA career, she aims to continue playing at a high level with the Phoenix Mercury, competing for another WNBA Championship. She also wants to be a mentor to young players and help grow women’s basketball.
On the international stage, Griner hopes to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics and win another gold medal.
Off the court, she is focused on advocacy work, particularly for wrongfully detained Americans abroad, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness. Her experience in Russia has inspired her to raise awareness about the struggles of detained individuals and support policies to help them.
She has also mentioned future business and media opportunities, including writing a book about her detention in Russia and possibly working in broadcasting or coaching after her playing career.
Brittney Griner’s future is centered around basketball, advocacy, and making a lasting impact on and off the court.
Brittney Griner on Social Media
Platform | Username | Followers | Content |
@brittneyyevettegriner | 749.3K+ | Basketball, Advocacy, Personal Life | |
Brittney Griner | 403.4K+ | Career Updates, Social Causes, Daily Life |
Fun Facts About Brittney Griner Height
- Tallest Active WNBA Player as one of the tallest players in the WNBA
- Can Dunk Easily because her height and 7’4” wingspan allow her to dunk effortlessly, making her one of the few WNBA players with multiple in-game dunks
- Wears Size 17 Shoes (US) and has one of the biggest shoe sizes in women’s basketball
- Towered Over Her Peers in high school since she was already over 6 feet tall as a freshman
- Gets Noticed Everywhere due to her height, making her instantly recognizable in crowds
- Custom Clothes and Shoes are necessary because of her height and frame
- Her Height Helped Her in Other Sports as she played volleyball and even trained with the boys’ football team for strength before focusing on basketball
Frequently Asked Questions About Brittney Griner Height
Is Brittney Griner the tallest WNBA player?
No, while she is one of the tallest active WNBA players, some past players, like Margo Dydek (7’2”), were taller.
What is Brittney Griner’s wingspan?
Her wingspan is 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm), giving her a huge advantage in blocking shots and rebounding.
How tall was Brittney Griner in high school?
She was already over 6 feet tall as a freshman and continued growing until she reached 6’9”.
What size shoe does Brittney Griner wear?
She wears a size 17 (US) shoe, one of the largest among female athletes.
Conclusion About Brittney Griner Height
Brittney Griner’s height of 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) is one of her most defining physical attributes, giving her a significant advantage in basketball. Her 7’4” wingspan, ability to dunk effortlessly, and strong defensive presence make her one of the most dominant players in WNBA history.
Beyond basketball, her height has shaped her personal experiences, from standing out in crowds to needing custom clothing and shoes. Despite challenges, she embraces her stature and advocates for body positivity, inspiring others to be confident in their own skin.
Brittney Griner’s height, skill, and determination have solidified her legacy as a basketball icon, both in the WNBA and international play.