After Brittney Griner's detention and release, nearly half of WNBA players are still opting to play [View all]

overseas in the off-season: 'Our players are going to do what's best for them'

Nearly half of WNBA players in the league have reportedly opted to play abroad, hoping to make more money in foreign countries — even after Brittney Griner's high-profile detention in Russia.

Although WNBA players have signaled they will not compete in Russia, 67 out of 144 league players will still play abroad, according to The Associated Press. WNBA players typically receive low pay in America compared to the millions they command playing overseas, Insider previously reported.

Many players, who said Griner was "wrongfully detained" in Russia, have decided to play in other countries such as Italy and Turkey, per The AP.

Griner was released from custody on Thursday after the US and Russia agreed to a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer. A video shows the two-time Olympic gold medalist touching down on American soil after nearly ten months in Russia.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/after-brittney-griner-s-detention-and-release-nearly-half-of-wnba-players-are-still-opting-to-play-overseas-in-the-off-season-our-players-are-going-to-do-what-s-best-for-them/ar-AA158e8A