Brittney Griner Files for Divorce

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, ending their eight-year marriage. Court documents filed in Fulton County, Georgia, show the couple separated in late July, with Griner seeking joint custody of their young son and an equitable division of their shared assets.

Divorce Filing Cites ‘Irretrievably Broken’ Marriage

According to court filings submitted to the Superior Court of Fulton County on July 31, the marriage is described as ‘irretrievably broken,’ with ‘no hope of reconciliation.’ The petition states that Brittney and Cherelle Griner have been living separately since July 24, 2026.

Griner is requesting joint physical custody of the couple’s son while also asking the court to divide marital assets and debts fairly. No additional details about the reasons behind the separation were included in the filing.

An attorney representing Brittney Griner released a brief statement, saying the parties hope to resolve the matter privately and would not be making any further public comments. Cherelle Griner has not publicly commented on the divorce filing.

Marriage Followed Years of Public Challenges

The couple married in June 2018 after first meeting as students at Baylor University, where Brittney Griner established herself as one of the most accomplished college basketball players in the country. They welcomed their son in 2024.

Cherelle Griner became widely known during Brittney’s detention in Russia in 2022, when the basketball star was arrested after Russian authorities said they found cannabis oil in a vape cartridge in her luggage at an airport. Brittney was later convicted on drug charges and sentenced to nine years in prison before being released in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange negotiated by the Biden administration.

Throughout that period, Cherelle emerged as the public face of the campaign for her wife’s release, regularly appearing in media interviews and meeting with U.S. officials while urging the government to secure Brittney’s return. Following her release, she publicly thanked then-President Joe Biden and members of his administration for their efforts.

Custody Request and Next Court Hearing

The divorce filing marks Brittney Griner’s second marriage. She was previously married to former WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2015 before that relationship ended the following year.

Now 35, Griner currently plays for the Connecticut Sun and continues her WNBA career as the divorce proceedings move forward.

The case is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 1, when the next hearing is expected to take place. Until then, attorneys for both sides have indicated they hope the matter can be resolved outside the public spotlight.

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, ending their eight-year marriage. Court documents filed in Fulton County, Georgia, show the couple separated in late July, with Griner seeking joint custody of their young son and an equitable division of their shared assets.

Divorce Filing Cites ‘Irretrievably Broken’ Marriage

According to court filings submitted to the Superior Court of Fulton County on July 31, the marriage is described as ‘irretrievably broken,’ with ‘no hope of reconciliation.’ The petition states that Brittney and Cherelle Griner have been living separately since July 24, 2026.

Griner is requesting joint physical custody of the couple’s son while also asking the court to divide marital assets and debts fairly. No additional details about the reasons behind the separation were included in the filing.

An attorney representing Brittney Griner released a brief statement, saying the parties hope to resolve the matter privately and would not be making any further public comments. Cherelle Griner has not publicly commented on the divorce filing.

Marriage Followed Years of Public Challenges

The couple married in June 2018 after first meeting as students at Baylor University, where Brittney Griner established herself as one of the most accomplished college basketball players in the country. They welcomed their son in 2024.

Cherelle Griner became widely known during Brittney’s detention in Russia in 2022, when the basketball star was arrested after Russian authorities said they found cannabis oil in a vape cartridge in her luggage at an airport. Brittney was later convicted on drug charges and sentenced to nine years in prison before being released in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange negotiated by the Biden administration.

Throughout that period, Cherelle emerged as the public face of the campaign for her wife’s release, regularly appearing in media interviews and meeting with U.S. officials while urging the government to secure Brittney’s return. Following her release, she publicly thanked then-President Joe Biden and members of his administration for their efforts.

Custody Request and Next Court Hearing

The divorce filing marks Brittney Griner’s second marriage. She was previously married to former WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2015 before that relationship ended the following year.

Now 35, Griner currently plays for the Connecticut Sun and continues her WNBA career as the divorce proceedings move forward.

The case is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 1, when the next hearing is expected to take place. Until then, attorneys for both sides have indicated they hope the matter can be resolved outside the public spotlight.