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WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, are ending their marriage after eight years together. Court records obtained by People show that Brittney filed for divorce on Thursday in Fulton County, Georgia.
According to the filing, Brittney, 35, and Cherelle, 33, separated last week. The documents describe their marriage as "irretrievably broken," signaling that the relationship has come to an end.
Cherelle played a central role in supporting Brittney during one of the most difficult periods of her life. In February 2022, Brittney was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow after authorities claimed she was carrying cannabis vape cartridges containing a small amount of hash oil. The arrest came just before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a development that further strained relations between Russia and Western nations.
As Brittney remained in detention, Cherelle became one of her strongest advocates. She spoke publicly about her wife's situation and urged U.S. officials to work toward securing her release. During an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, Cherelle described Brittney as "a political pawn," expressing concern that the basketball star had become caught in rising international tensions.
Cherelle also admitted she feared the emotional impact of Brittney's imprisonment. Speaking during the same interview, she questioned how the experience might change her wife and wondered what kind of person would return home after months in custody.
In December 2022, the Biden administration negotiated a prisoner exchange with Russia that secured Brittney's release. She returned to the United States in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, bringing an end to her nearly ten-month detention.
The couple later welcomed their son, Bash, in July 2024. According to the divorce filing, both Brittney and Cherelle are seeking joint custody of their two-year-old son.
On the court, Brittney remains one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history. She is the league's all-time leader in blocked shots and helped the Phoenix Mercury win the 2014 WNBA championship. A Texas native, she starred at Baylor University, where she first met Cherelle.
Earlier this year, Brittney signed a one-year contract with the Connecticut Sun. Reports indicate the deal is worth seven figures, marking another major chapter in her professional career despite the changes in her personal life.
