WNBA standout Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, bringing an end to their eight-year marriage, according to court documents filed in Georgia.
The 35-year-old Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist submitted the divorce petition in Fulton County, stating that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” and that there is no reasonable hope of reconciliation.
Court Filing Confirms Separation
According to the filing, Brittney Griner said the couple has been living separately since July 24. The petition cites the breakdown of the marriage as the basis for seeking a divorce but does not provide additional details about the circumstances leading to the split.
The filing marks the first public indication that the couple had separated.
Attorney Requests Privacy
Brittney Griner’s legal team has declined to discuss the matter in detail, emphasizing that the divorce is a private family issue.
“This is a matter we hope the parties can resolve privately,” Griner’s attorney said in a statement provided to NBC News. “There is no further comment at this time.”
As of Friday, representatives for Cherelle Griner had not publicly commented on the filing or responded to requests for comment.
A Relationship in the Public Eye
Brittney and Cherelle Griner married in 2018 and have frequently appeared together at public events, with Cherelle becoming a prominent advocate for her wife during one of the most difficult periods of Brittney’s life.
Their relationship gained international attention in 2022, when Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on drug-related charges after authorities found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
During the nearly 10 months Griner was imprisoned, Cherelle became one of her strongest public supporters, regularly speaking with lawmakers, media outlets, and advocacy groups while urging the U.S. government to secure her release.
Griner was ultimately freed in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia.
Brittney Griner’s Basketball Career
Widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of her generation, Griner has built an accomplished career in both the WNBA and international competition.
A multiple-time WNBA All-Star and defensive standout, she has helped elevate women’s basketball through her dominant play, earning championships, Olympic gold medals, and numerous individual honors.
Following her return from Russia, Griner resumed her professional basketball career and has continued competing at the highest level. She currently plays for the Connecticut Sun, where she remains one of the league’s most recognizable stars.
Divorce Proceedings Begin
The divorce filing begins what could be a private legal process, with details regarding any potential property division or other matters likely to be handled through the courts unless the parties reach an agreement outside of litigation.
Neither Brittney nor Cherelle has publicly discussed the reasons behind the end of their marriage beyond the language contained in the court filing.
For now, both appear focused on handling the matter outside the public spotlight, with Griner’s legal team expressing hope that the divorce can be resolved privately and respectfully.
