US basketballer Brittney Griner has been made an honorary Women's National Basketball Association All-Star member as she faces up to a decade in a Russian prison.
The WNBA called more attention to her case at an All-Star Game in Chicago on Sunday.
Ms Griner — the All-Star centre for the Phoenix Mercury — was arrested in February after Russian airport officials said she had vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.
She pleaded guilty in court last week and said she had packed the items accidentally.
Experts said an admission of guilt was typically required for Russians to consider releasing prisoners.
Ms Griner was recognised as an "honorary" All-Star, during a pre-game tribute, while players sported warm-ups featuring Ms Griner's name and her number, 42, on the back.
Her wife, Cherelle Griner, was also in attendance.
Former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson is working with the Griner family to facilitate her release.
Richardson is also representing Paul Whelan, an American who has been detained in Russia for more than three years.
He is working on Ms Griner's case independently.
"We asked the Richardson Center to help and I'm encouraged that he might be going," Cherelle Griner said in a statement to ABC News on Saturday.
A "Bring BG Home" rally held at the Mercury's home arena in downtown Phoenix also attracted teammates and supporters, many of them wearing "We are BG" shirts in support of the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
ABC/AP
