Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner among several WNBA players competing in Russia
Multiple WNBA players currently competing in Russia have been looking into ways to leave the country following the government's invasion of Ukraine, ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel first reported.
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is among several WNBA players who joined the Russian Women's Basketball Premier League this winter.
A security alert on Sunday from the United States Embassy in Moscow stated: "An increasing number of airlines are cancelling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines. U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available."
The WNBA released a statement on Feb. 24 that the league has been in contact with the players and their agents in Russia and will continue to closely monitor the situation. The few players who competed in Ukraine have left the country.
WNBA in Ukraine: Players are 'no longer in the country' following Russian invasion
During the offseason for the WNBA, a majority of players compete overseas with some players in the leagues as late as April or early May. The 2022 WNBA season begins May 6. Griner has played seven seasons with UMMC Ekaterinburg, dating back to the 2015-16 season.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner among WNBA players in Russia
