The mortgage executive has agreed to buy a majority stake in the NBA and WNBA teams from Robert Sarver, who is serving a one-year ban from suspension after a report on his toxic behavior.

In her first public statement since being freed from Russia, the two-time Olympic gold medalist says she'll play for her team, the Phoenix Mercury, when the season starts in May.

Robert Sarver, who owns 35% of the Suns and Mercury, says he's looking for buyers after he was disciplined by the NBA for abusive behavior. His cited the "unforgiving climate" for his decision.

The Seattle Storm lost its semifinal game on Tuesday, bringing a bittersweet end to what the 41-year-old had said would be her final season. She retires as the winningest WNBA player of all time.

The Chicago Sky are attempting to become the first team in 20 years to win back-to-back championships. And Seattle Storm star Sue Bird will be retiring after a 19-year career in the league.

The White House said President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke with Cherelle Griner on Wednesday, as more of the WNBA star's supporters publicly petition him to do more to secure her release.

Griner, 31, was arrested on Feb. 17, after authorities at a Moscow area airport allegedly found cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage

Griner, 31, was arrested on Feb. 17, after authorities at a Moscow area airport allegedly found cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage

The star with the U.S. Olympic and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury was bracketed by four security officers and a dog as she was led down a stairwell to a courtroom for Monday's hearing.

Bird has played with the Seattle Storm since being drafted by the team in 2002. On Thursday, she announced that the current WNBA season, her 19th playing, will be her last.

Griner was arrested after authorities reportedly found vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage. The shift in language indicates the U.S. will work more aggressively to secure her release.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said consular officials were granted access to the basketball star on Wednesday. He added that she is in good condition.

Media coverage of Griner's arrest on alleged drug charges in Russia has remained somewhat muted. Some say it's because of her skin color, but others say it's part of a bigger strategy to get her home.

Speaking in Moldova, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Americans to leave Russia and vowed to support any American being held by Russia.

Player organizations in the NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA and MLB were sent an open letter by the organization's national and state presidents.