‘It’s hard to think it’s safe’: WNBA players shun Russia after Griner’s ordeal

• Griner was jailed for nine years in Russian prison last month
• Players can earn seven-figure sums playing in Russia

Brittney Griner's highly publicized legal problems in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine have prompted the WNBA to take their talents elsewhere this offseason.

For the past few decades, Russia has been the preferred offseason destination for WNBA players because of salaries that can exceed $1m and the resources and amenities on offer. That tome has come to an abrupt end.