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.
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.
The Chicago Sky rallied from behind to beat the Phoenix Mercury and bring home the city's first-ever WNBA title. They're being celebrated by their hometown, including former President Barack Obama.
The U.S. women have not lost a game at the Olympics since the 1992 Games in Barcelona, a remarkable stretch of 55 straight victories and seven gold medals.
The new three-member investor group which purchased the team includes former Dream player Renee Montgomery, making her the first retired player to have become both a co-owner and a WNBA executive.
