What Happened to Brittney Griner and Angel Reese?

Brittney Griner's career has seen a remarkable journey of athletic achievement, personal adversity, and a powerful return to the WNBA. After being detained in Russia for nearly ten months in 2022 on drug charges, her release in December 2022 marked a significant global event. She returned to the Phoenix Mercury in 2023, demonstrating resilience and continuing her advocacy for other detained Americans. In May 2024, Griner released her memoir, "Coming Home," detailing her experiences. A major personal milestone occurred in July 2024, when she and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed their son, Bash. Griner also earned her third Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Games. For the 2025 WNBA season, Griner played for the Atlanta Dream, where she averaged career lows in points and rebounds. In February 2026, she finally received her belongings back from her apartment in Russia. Looking to the 2026 season, Griner signed a seven-figure, one-year deal with the Connecticut Sun in April 2026, embracing a new role as a veteran leader for the team. This move is particularly notable as the Sun franchise is slated to relocate to Griner's hometown of Houston in 2027.

Angel Reese emerged as a prominent figure in women's basketball during her collegiate career at LSU, leading the Tigers to their first NCAA championship in 2023 and earning Most Outstanding Player honors. She declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in April 2024. Her rookie season was impactful, setting a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles and quickly becoming a league leader in rebounding, despite her season being cut short by a wrist injury. Reese's outspoken personality and on-court prowess quickly translated into significant off-court success, securing numerous endorsement deals with major brands like Reebok, McDonald's, Victoria's Secret, and Amazon. In October 2024, she extended her multi-year deal with Reebok, which included the release of her signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1's, in 2026. She also launched her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," and became a part-owner of DC Power FC in 2024.

Reese's financial standing has seen a significant boost, with her 2026 WNBA salary projected to jump to approximately $350,692 under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a substantial increase from her rookie earnings. In a major development for the 2026 season, Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in April 2026, a move that involved the Sky receiving multiple first-round draft picks. The Atlanta Dream quickly demonstrated their long-term commitment by exercising her fourth-year rookie option, keeping her under contract through the 2027 season. Reese has continued her strong performance in the 2026 season, recently surpassing 1,000 career WNBA points and maintaining her status as a dominant rebounder. Her personal life has also garnered attention, and she publicly confirmed her relationship with NBA center Wendell Carter Jr. in late 2025.

Both Griner and Reese represent different generations of WNBA stars, each navigating unique challenges and opportunities. Griner's story is one of profound resilience and continued excellence after a harrowing international incident, now balancing her decorated career with new motherhood. Reese's narrative is that of a burgeoning superstar, leveraging her on-court dominance and vibrant personality to build an expansive brand and advocate for women's sports, while also adapting to new team environments and the evolving WNBA landscape.