Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner. David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Brittney Griner lands seven-figure deal with Connecticut Sun

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 9:57 AM ET

Brittney Griner has signed a seven-figure contract with the Connecticut Sun, marking one of the notable deals as the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement takes effect and free agency opens.

The agreement was first reported by the team’s sideline reporter, Terrika Foster-Brasby, and confirmed by other outlets on Friday.

The 35-year-old center, standing 6-foot-9, brings a decorated resume to Connecticut in what will be the franchise’s final season before relocating to Houston in 2027.

A 10-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Griner was the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013. She helped lead that team to the 2014 WNBA title and has earned three Olympic gold medals with Team USA, along with multiple All-WNBA honors and blocking titles.

BREAKING: Sources confirm the Sun are finalizing a 7- figure deal to bring WNBA Champion and 10x WNBA All Star Brittney Griner to Connecticut.
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) April 11, 2026

Griner gained international attention in 2022 after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months on drug charges before her release in a prisoner exchange.

She returned to the court in 2023 and spent the 2025 season with the Atlanta Dream, where she averaged career lows of 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while contributing to a surprising playoff run.

The move follows Jackie Young’s one-year, $1.19M deal with the Las Vegas Aces, the league’s first million-dollar contract under the new CBA, which significantly boosts player salaries.

Griner is expected to provide veteran leadership to the Sun’s young core.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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