Shortly after Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian penal colony on Thursday in a high-profile prisoner exchange, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke about the star’s long-awaited arrival and possible return to action on the court.
During a Zoom press conference on Thursday, Engelbert she said was aware negotiations were “intensifying” and was “emotional” as discussions came down to the wire.
“These are geopolitically complex times in the moment. And so I’m overjoyed that BG will be reunited with her parents,” Engelbert said during the online press conference. “Her mom and dad, as a mom myself, I can’t imagine the anguish they have been going through. And obviously, you saw Cherelle at the White House this morning as events unfolded. And let’s not forget BG’s fellow WNBA players too. They advocated every day for her, and the whole women’s basketball ecosystem.
