WNBA star Brittney Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in February 2013, during an interview with Sports Illustrated. This announcement marked a major milestone in professional basketball, making her one of the most prominent athletes to openly identify as LGBTQ+ at the start of her professional career. Her openness reshaped conversations around sports and identity, paving the way for greater visibility across women's professional sports leagues.
Beyond her athletic achievements on the court, Griner's personal life and identity have frequently drawn public interest. From her early struggles with bullying in Texas to breaking ground with major corporate sponsorships like Nike, her journey reflects the intersection of athletic dominance and public scrutiny. Understanding her path involves examining how she navigated coming out, her marriage history, and her enduring impact on sports culture.
Early Life and Finding Acceptance
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Griner faced severe bullying throughout her childhood and adolescence. Standing significantly taller than her peers, she experienced harassment that targeted both her physical appearance and her evolving sense of self. In retrospective interviews, she has noted that the combination of being tall, feeling different, and coming to terms with her sexuality created a difficult environment during her school years.
Sports served as a crucial outlet. By the time she reached Baylor University under coach Kim Mulkey, her dominance on the basketball court was undeniable. However, collegiate restrictions and the social climate at the time meant that personal identity was often kept quiet. It wasn't until she transitioned from college standout to the number-one WNBA draft pick for the Phoenix Mercury that she chose to speak openly about who she was. Further reporting by Bloomberg highlights related perspectives on the subject.
Coming Out and Industry Impact
When Griner came out in 2013, the sports landscape looked vastly different than it does today. Openly gay team-sport athletes were rare, and major brands rarely built marketing campaigns around LGBTQ+ athletes. Griner's straightforward approach changed that dynamic quickly.
Shortly after entering the league, she signed a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike, marking the first time the company partnered openly with a gay athlete. This move demonstrated that corporate sponsors could embrace LGBTQ+ athletes without sacrificing marketability. Her willingness to own her narrative helped normalize conversations about sexuality in women's basketball, encouraging other players to live authentically.
Relationships and Marriage History
Griner's personal relationships have frequently intersected with public attention. In 2015, she married fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson, though the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce later that year.
In June 2018, Griner married Cherelle Watson, a former educator who later earned her law degree. Cherelle became a central public figure during Griner's ten-month detainment in Russia in 2022, leading high-profile advocacy campaigns that kept international pressure on governments to secure her release. Following Griner's return to the United States and her return to WNBA courts with teams like the Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta Dream, and Connecticut Sun, the couple shared their life publicly until filing for divorce in July 2026. Throughout these personal shifts, Griner's status as an openly gay sports pioneer has remained a defining pillar of her public identity.
Cultural Legacy and Representation
Griner's impact extends far beyond box scores and Olympic gold medals. By refusing to hide her identity during an era when professional sports were less welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals, she carved out space for future generations. Women's basketball has long championed inclusivity, and Griner stands among the foundational figures who forced mainstream sports media to catch up.
Her journey highlights several key realities for modern athletes:
- Authenticity drives change: Being open about personal identity helps dismantle outdated industry stigmas.
- Corporate shifts follow courage: Early trailblazers often shoulder the heaviest commercial risks to open doors for others.
- Resilience under pressure: Navigating intense public scrutiny requires mental fortitude both on and off the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Brittney Griner come out?
Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in February 2013 during an interview with Sports Illustrated shortly before entering the WNBA draft.
Did Griner's coming out affect her career?
While it initially brought intense media scrutiny, it also solidified her status as a cultural pioneer. She secured landmark endorsement deals, including a historic partnership with Nike, proving that authenticity could align with elite athletic success.
How has Griner influenced WNBA culture?
She helped foster an environment where players feel secure expressing their authentic selves. The WNBA is now widely recognized as one of the most inclusive professional sports leagues globally, thanks in part to early pioneers who broke barriers.
What teams has Brittney Griner played for?
After being selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, she spent over a decade with the franchise, later playing for the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun, alongside earning multiple Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball.
