Brittney Griner’s offseason used to be a tame affair: some downtime, light training, and maybe a chance to binge a Netflix show or two. But not anymore. The Phoenix Mercury star is making headlines for stepping into the basketball spotlight yet again, this time with Unrivaled, a 3×3 league as flashy as its Miami location.
After a 10-month stint in a Russian detention center—a nightmare straight out of a Cold War spy movie—Griner is leaving the drama in the rearview mirror. Her new chapter is written in neon lights and beachside flair. Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA juggernauts Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is offering Griner (and 35 other ballers) a chance to keep the hoops action alive year-round.
“Honestly, the offseason felt off without basketball,” Griner quipped during media day. “I mean, what’s an offseason without buckets? This league feels like it was made for me.”
From Prisoner Swaps to No-Look Passes
Let’s recap the whirlwind: detained in Russia for 10 months on drug charges, swapped for an international arms dealer, and then back in the States with a “What just happened?” expression we all could sympathize with. By 2024, Griner was back on the court, dominating for the Mercury, but the spark wasn’t quite there. Cue Unrivaled.
Set in Miami—a city that knows how to keep things spicy—this league is shaking up women’s basketball. With its green rooms that scream luxury and a marketing strategy slicker than an Allen Iverson crossover, Unrivaled is throwing tradition out the window.
“They’re not just talking about growing the game; they’re doing it,” Griner said, visibly pumped. “Everything about this league feels fresh. From the way they treat us off the court to the actual gameplay, it’s next level.”
The Griner Effect
Griner’s presence alone is a game-changer. This isn’t just about putting up points in some flashy offseason league; it’s about reclaiming her narrative. A symbol of resilience, Griner is once again rewriting the rules—both for herself and for women’s basketball.
“This isn’t just about staying in shape,” she added. “It’s about finding my rhythm again, staying sharp, and proving that women’s basketball can evolve in ways people didn’t see coming.”
She’s not kidding. The vibe in Unrivaled is less “offseason grind” and more “basketball party.” The 3×3 format means quick action, big plays, and enough energy to keep fans on the edge of their seats. And let’s not forget the location—because if you’re going to make a statement, why not do it in Miami?
Revolutionizing Women’s Basketball
Griner’s involvement is more than just star power; it’s a testament to how far the sport has come. She’s not just playing; she’s leading a movement.
“The whole setup here is wild,” she said. “I mean, they’ve got everything dialed in—from the gameplay to the vibes. It’s like they’re saying, ‘Hey, women’s basketball is here to stay, and it’s going to look this good.’”
For Griner, Unrivaled is about more than staying ready for the WNBA season. It’s about building a legacy and proving that even the wildest detours can lead back to greatness.
“This league hits different,” Griner said, a smirk crossing her face. “It’s not just basketball—it’s bigger than that. And being part of it feels like being part of something that’s going to change the game forever.”
The Comeback is Complete
With Griner at the forefront, Unrivaled is poised to make waves in a way women’s basketball hasn’t seen before. The league’s combination of innovation, star power, and pure swagger has all the makings of a cultural phenomenon.
As for Griner, her journey from a Russian cell to a Miami court is nothing short of inspiring—and maybe just a little bit cinematic. If this is how her comeback story starts, we can’t wait to see the sequel.
