Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, are ending their marriage after eight years together. The WNBA star, 35, filed for divorce in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday, July 30, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE. In the filing, Griner described the marriage as “irretrievably broken” and is seeking joint legal custody of the couple’s 2-year-old son, Bash.
Court documents state the pair have been separated since July 24, 2026. While previous reports listed their wedding date as 2019, the filing confirms the couple married in June 2018. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the divorce filing.
Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner End Their Marriage
Brittney and Cherelle first met as students at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, before beginning a relationship that would later become one of the most high-profile marriages in women’s sports. Throughout their relationship, Cherelle, 33, often stood beside Brittney both publicly and privately, especially during one of the most challenging chapters of the basketball star’s life.
The couple welcomed their son, Bash, in 2024 and frequently shared glimpses of family life on social media, celebrating milestones together while balancing parenthood and professional careers.
© AFP via Getty ImagesNow, according to the divorce petition, Brittney is asking the court to award joint legal custody of their son as the marriage comes to an end.
Cherelle Became Brittney Griner’s Strongest Advocate During Russia Detention
Cherelle Griner became a familiar face across television interviews, political meetings, and advocacy campaigns after Brittney was detained in Russia in February 2022.
Russian customs officials accused the Olympic gold medalist of possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. Marijuana remains illegal in Russia, and Griner was later convicted on drug smuggling charges before receiving a nine-year prison sentence.
© GettyImagesDuring the ordeal, Cherelle tirelessly advocated for her wife’s release, meeting with lawmakers and speaking publicly about the emotional toll of the separation.
USA Basketball issued a statement at the time, saying it was “aware of and closely monitoring the legal situation facing Brittney Griner in Russia.”
The organization added, “Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns.”
© GettyImagesThe WNBA also voiced its support, saying Griner had its “full support” and emphasizing that its priority was “her swift and safe return to the United States.”
Brittney Returned Home in 2022
Griner was released from Russian custody in December 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange after spending roughly 10 months detained overseas. Following her return to the United States, she shared an emotional message thanking those who helped secure her release.
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn,” Griner wrote. “I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going.”
© GettyImagesShe also expressed deep gratitude to Cherelle. “I am grateful to each person who advocated for me, especially my wife, Cherelle Griner, my family… From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” she said.
Griner also pledged to use her platform to support Americans detained abroad. “President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you,” she wrote. “Every family deserves to be whole.”
Cherelle Reflected on the Emotional Reunion
After Brittney returned to the United States, Cherelle spoke candidly with PEOPLE about finally seeing her wife again after months apart. “I had thought about that moment a thousand times, and I thought I would be full of tears,” Cherelle said. “But I was overwhelmingly happy. It was the first time I was able to finally exhale, and I’m like, ‘Oh, thank God, this is such a great day.'”
Her advocacy throughout Brittney’s imprisonment earned widespread praise and kept international attention focused on the athlete’s case.
© Getty ImagesAs the divorce proceedings move forward in Georgia, Brittney’s filing indicates she hopes to share legal custody of Bash. Neither Griner nor Cherelle has publicly addressed the split beyond the court filing, and no additional details about the separation have been disclosed.
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