In a surprising turn of events, Brittney Griner the celebrated WNBA player, has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner. The legal documents, submitted in Fulton County on a recent Thursday, mark the end of an eight-year marriage that has been under public scrutiny since Brittney’s high-profile detention in Russia in 2026.
The couple, who met during their time at Baylor University have a two-year-old son, Bash Raymond Griner born on July 8, 2026. Brittney, currently playing for the Connecticut Sun has cited the marriage as “irretrievably broken” in her filing, listing July 24, 2026 as their date of separation.
The Journey of Brittney and Cherelle Griner
Their love story began in June 2018 when they tied the knot after a whirlwind romance. Their relationship, however, was not without its challenges. The couple initially kept their relationship private, only to break up and later rekindle their romance. Their journey together has been marked by both triumph and turmoil, culminating in Brittney’s nine-month detention in Russia for carrying two mostly-empty THC cartridges.
Cherelle stood by Brittney’s side throughout the ordeal, advocating for her release and supporting her during the unfair trial that resulted in a nine-year sentence. Brittney was eventually freed in as part of a prisoner exchange involving Viktor Bout a convicted Russian arms dealer.
The Impact of Brittney’s Detention and Return
Brittney’s return to the United States was a moment of immense relief and joy. She expressed that playing for Team USA in the 2026 Olympic Games meant “100% more” to her than her previous Olympic experiences. She credited the country with “literally saving my life” highlighting the profound impact of her ordeal on her perspective and priorities.
The couple’s appearance together in a documentary, The Brittney Griner Story which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2026 showcased their bond and the challenges they faced. However, despite their public displays of unity, the marriage has now reached a breaking point.
The Future of Their Family
In her divorce filing, Brittney is seeking joint legal custody of their son, Bash. The legal process will determine the specifics of child support and custody arrangements. This development comes after Brittney’s previous marriage to former WNBA player Glory Johnson which ended in an annulment after just 28 days in. Johnson gave birth to their twin daughters, Ava Simone and Solei Diem in October and Brittney was ordered to pay child support.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the well-being of their son and the future of both Brittney and Cherelle. The basketball icon’s career and personal life continue to intersect, shaping the narrative of her journey both on and off the court.
