Advocates want to show their support — verbal and otherwise — but realize their words carry weight in a sensitive situation.
Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi, who also has played in Russia, said Monday afternoon that the sensitive nature of Griner’s situation — being played out on a diplomatic stage rather than a basketball court — has made things even more difficult.
Cunningham stressed her concerns are about Griner the person and not about how the situation affects the Mercury’s season. Griner, one of many top WNBA players who play in Russia during the league’s offseason, was returning to the country after the Russian League took a break for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.
In the early 2000s, top WNBA players could boost their incomes to about $125,000 by entering a marketing deal with the league. Today, elite players can take home about $500,000 with their salaries, bonuses and WNBA marketing contracts. By playing in Russia, however, they can earn another $1 million to $1.5 million.“I see people all the time, they're like ‘Man, I can’t believe they don't pay those WNBA players. I can't believe they're underpaid,'” Nygaard said.