On June 12, 2025, WNBA star Brittney Griner sent shockwaves through the basketball world, announcing her decision to retire from competitive basketball, stating, “No one wants me on their team.” The 34-year-old Atlanta Dream center, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and 10-time WNBA All-Star, cited mounting personal and professional pressures as reasons for her abrupt exit. Griner’s announcement, made via an emotional Instagram video, has sparked intense reactions from fans and critics, leaving the sports community grappling with the loss of one of its most iconic figures.
Griner’s career is a tapestry of triumph and tribulation. Drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, the 6-foot-9 Baylor standout led the team to a 2014 WNBA championship, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and six All-WNBA selections. Her dominance, marked by an NCAA-record 748 blocks and 18 dunks, redefined women’s basketball. However, her 2022 detention in Russia for nearly 10 months on drug smuggling charges shifted her narrative. Freed in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout, Griner returned to All-Star form in 2023 and 2024, averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds last season with the Mercury before joining the Dream in 2025.
The decision to quit follows a tumultuous year. Griner’s move to Atlanta, hailed as a fresh start, was marred by challenges. A May 25, 2025, incident saw her storm off an interview after a foul-mouthed tirade at referees during a Dream win over Dallas, drawing criticism for poor sportsmanship. In February, she canceled a speaking engagement in Maryland after finding a note with the phrase “Gay Baby Jail” near her hotel room, raising security concerns. Knee injuries sidelined her for multiple games, and a viral video allegedly showing her making derogatory remarks about rookie Caitlin Clark fueled controversy, though Griner denied the claims.
In her Instagram video, Griner tearfully expressed exhaustion: “I’ve given everything to this game, but the hate, the injuries, the feeling of not belonging—it’s too much.” Posts on X amplified the sentiment, with some claiming she faced “mounting hate” and unfair media scrutiny. Critics on X, however, were harsh, with one user stating, “One bad player gone, more to come!” Fans expressed heartbreak, one writing, “BG’s a legend. The WNBA won’t be the same without her.” Others urged her to reconsider, citing her recent 12.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game with the Dream.
Griner’s exit raises questions about her future and the WNBA’s landscape. She has hinted at focusing on family, including her newborn son, Bash, and advocacy work through her “Bring Our Families Home” campaign. Her decision to join the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league in 2024 suggests she may not abandon basketball entirely, but competitive WNBA play appears over. The Dream, now without their star center, face a rebuild, while the league loses a polarizing yet transformative figure.
Griner’s departure underscores broader WNBA challenges, including player mental health and media pressures. As fans mourn and critics debate, her legacy as a trailblazer endures, leaving an indelible mark on a sport she reshaped.
