Brittney Griner Partners With Disney and ESPN to Share Story in New Documentary

Brittney Griner recently inked a deal with Disney to share new content about her imprisonment in Russia, Fox News reports. The new deal includes several media projects, including an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts, a scripted series with ABC Signature, and a documentary sharing her story in partnership with ESPN, The Grio reports. 

“The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world. I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that,” Griner said via statement.

December 8th makes one year since Griner was released after being sentenced to a nine-year term in a Russian prison. She was found guilty of possession of cannabis after being stopped at a Moscow airport in February 2022. The arrest happened just days after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Griner was released after the Biden administration negotiated her exchange for Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout. 

Upcoming documentary

Earlier this year, Griner announced the release of an upcoming memoir in an effort to raise awareness about the experience of detainees. Set to release in Spring 2024, it will be the first time Griner has published her whole story. The new documentary will feature archival footage, a focus on the events that led her to play overseas, her 10-month detention, and her fight for freedom. With the new Disney partnership, her wife, Cherelle Griner, is expected to serve as executive producer over the projects. 

“Throughout BG’s detainment and in the time since, ESPN, ABC, and Disney were supportive and caring in regards to the human side of this saga. Love and family were at the center of the fight to get BG home, and with that in mind, there is no better, more trusted partner to tell that story with us,” said Cherelle.

Disney execs said they are honored to partner with Griner to share her story on her own terms. The nine-time WNBA All-Star has been forever changed and is now using her platform to raise awareness through her own personal challenges and triumphs. 

“We are honored that Brittney has entrusted us to share her story of hope, faith, and determination across our platforms. Her unwavering perseverance that helped shape her as an athlete has now influenced her leadership as a human rights advocate,” said Debra O’Connell, president of Networks and TV Business Operations at Disney Entertainment.

Reprinted with permission from BOTWC.com.