Summary (tl;dr)

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, in Fulton County, Georgia, citing an "irretrievably broken" marriage after eight years together. The filing, made on July 30, 2026, includes a request for joint physical custody of their two-year-old son, Bash.

Essential Background

Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in women's basketball, gained significant international attention in February 2022 when she was detained in Russia. She was arrested at a Moscow-area airport after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. Griner was subsequently convicted on drug smuggling charges and sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. Throughout her nearly 10-month detention, her wife Cherelle Griner became a vocal advocate for her release, meeting with lawmakers and campaigning publicly. Brittney Griner was eventually released in December 2022 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange with the United States. The couple, who married in June 2018, welcomed their son, Bash, in 2024.

The Full Story

Brittney Griner officially filed for divorce from Cherelle Griner on July 30, 2026, in Fulton County, Georgia, indicating their separation occurred on July 24, 2026. The court documents state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," a common legal term in no-fault divorces. Brittney is seeking joint physical custody of their two-year-old son, Bash, and an equitable division of their marital assets. This development marks the end of their eight-year marriage, which had previously garnered significant public attention during Brittney's detainment and subsequent release from Russia. Neither Brittney nor Cherelle Griner has publicly commented on the divorce outside of the court filing.

Why It Matters

The news of Brittney Griner's divorce is trending due to the public's continued interest in her personal life following her highly publicized detainment in Russia and her wife Cherelle's instrumental role in advocating for her release. The couple's journey through a challenging period of international crisis captivated many, and their separation, especially after welcoming a child, marks a significant personal change for the WNBA star. The divorce proceedings will determine custody arrangements for their son and the division of assets, matters that are of interest to those who have followed their story.

Geographic Location

• Fulton County Superior Court, Fulton County, Georgia, United States (divorce complaint filed)