Angel McCoughtry Faces Major Financial Setback Amid Brittney Griner’s Release from Russia

Angel McCoughtry, a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is bracing for a significant financial loss after announcing she will not return to play basketball in Russia this offseason. This decision follows the highly publicized detention and recent release of fellow WNBA star Brittney Griner from a Russian prison.

In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, McCoughtry opened up about her experience playing in Russia, where she spent three years competing professionally. Despite the challenges, she revealed that Russia had been one of the most lucrative places for women basketball players, including herself.

“It’s tough for us because Russia is one of the places where we make the most money. I earned my entire WNBA salary in just one month playing there,” McCoughtry said candidly. This highlights the stark reality for many WNBA players, who often rely on overseas leagues to supplement their income during the offseason due to comparatively lower pay in the WNBA.

However, the geopolitical tension and Griner’s arrest have evidently altered McCoughtry’s willingness to return. When asked if she plans to go back to Russia to play, McCoughtry was firm in her response: “No, I will not be going back. At this point, it’s a no.”

This announcement signals a substantial financial impact for McCoughtry. The loss of income from the Russian league, which often pays salaries exceeding the WNBA’s, could represent a significant setback. Many WNBA players face this difficult choice—balancing safety concerns against financial needs.

The backdrop to McCoughtry’s decision is the recent exchange of Brittney Griner, a 32-year-old WNBA star who had been detained in Russia for nearly 10 months. Griner was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after authorities found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Cannabis is illegal in Russia, and Griner was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty.

Her release, part of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia, was widely celebrated but also sparked debates about the risks WNBA players face overseas. Griner’s ordeal brought to light the precarious situations many athletes encounter while pursuing lucrative contracts abroad.

Despite the trauma and challenges she faced, McCoughtry remains hopeful about Griner’s future in the WNBA. She believes that Griner will return to the league in 2023 and continue to be a major attraction for fans.

“Our season doesn’t start until May, so we still have five or six months. I think by then, she’ll be ready to play because people will want to see her compete,” McCoughtry said with optimism. “It’s going to be amazing.”

McCoughtry also highlighted the growth of women’s basketball, noting the increasing fan base, greater media coverage, and the expanding platform for female athletes. “Women’s sports are growing so fast now. We have more fans than ever before, more TV coverage, and this is the time to see Brittney dunk again and smile on the court.”

Over her career, Griner has been an impressive performer, averaging 17.7 points per game, shooting at a 56% success rate, and grabbing an average of 7.6 rebounds per contest. Her presence in the league has been a source of inspiration for many young athletes and fans alike.

The broader issue of WNBA players playing overseas has been a persistent one. Many players rely heavily on international contracts to support themselves financially. Russia, China, and Europe have traditionally been popular destinations due to higher salaries. Yet, these choices come with risks, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertain legal landscapes.

McCoughtry’s decision reflects a growing unease among players about returning to regions that may pose safety risks. It also raises questions about the sustainability of the current financial model for women’s professional basketball players.

This development could encourage the WNBA and related stakeholders to reconsider player compensation and working conditions to reduce reliance on overseas leagues. With stars like McCoughtry stepping away from lucrative contracts abroad, the league might face increased pressure to bridge the pay gap and create safer, more attractive opportunities at home.

In the meantime, fans and players alike will watch closely as Brittney Griner resumes her career and McCoughtry navigates the financial and emotional aftermath of these challenging timees