A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Chris Paul & other stars celebrate Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison

Gilbert McGregor

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A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Chris Paul & other stars celebrate Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison image

After spending nearly 10 months detained in Russia, Brittney Griner has been freed and is returning to the United States.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, President Joe Biden confirmed the news, adding that he has spoken with Griner, who is safe and on her way home. 

Griner's detainment began in February when she was arrested after the Russian Federal Customs Service claimed it found hashish oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. The news of her detainment first surfaced in early March and instantly became the biggest off-the-court storyline in the basketball world.

MORE: The complete Brittney Griner detainment timeline

In the time since some of the biggest names in and outside the world of sports have been the driving force behind the movement to end Griner's wrongful detainment. The WNBA dedicated the 2022 season to Griner by placing her initials on the home floor of all 12 teams among many other tributes while the NBA's biggest stars, including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Stephen Curry, continuously spoke out about Griner's detainment, continuing the push for her safe release.

Just as they pushed for Griner's release, members of the WNBA family, NBA family and beyond celebrated Griner being freed on Thursday.

WNBA, NBA family celebrates Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.