WNBA star Brittney Griner files for divorce from wife Cherelle Griner

WNBAWNBA star Brittney Griner files for divorce from wife Cherelle GrinerThe Connecticut Sun center describe the marriage as “irretrievably broken” with no hope of reconciliation.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Brittney Griner #42 of the Connecticut Sun at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., in July. David Berding / Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 31, 2026, 5:14 PM EDTBy Dalila Muata and Meriam BouarroujWNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce after eight years of marriage.The 35-year-old Olympic gold medalist filed for divorce in Fulton County, Georgia, describing the marriage to Cherelle Griner as “irretrievably broken,” according to court documents.In those filings, Brittney Griner says that the couple has been separated since July 24. “This is a matter we hope the parties can resolve privately,” a lawyer for Brittney Griner told NBC News in a statement. “There is no further comment at this time.”Representatives for Cherelle Griner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cherelle Griner and Brittney Griner attend "The Brittney Griner Story" Premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah, in Jan.Arturo Holmes / Getty Images fileThe couple were married in June 2018 after meeting as students at Baylor University, where Brittney Griner ranked No. 2 on NCAA Division I women’s all-time scoring list.Cherelle Griner, a 33-year-old attorney, publicly fought for her wife’s release after she was detained in Russia in February 2022. Authorities said they found a vape canister containing cannabis oil in her luggage.Brittney Griner was convicted on drug charges in Russia and received a nine-year sentence, but was released in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner swap deal negotiated by the administration of President Joe Biden. The couple had their first son together in 2024. Brittney Griner is seeking joint custody of their child, according to court documents...