Is Brittney Griner playing this season? Everything we know about the Mercury star's status for 2023

The 2023 WNBA season brings with it a number of compelling storylines. But none compare to Brittney Griner's return.

The Mercury star is mere hours away from taking the court in a regular season game. When she does, it will represent a momentous comeback. The 32-year-old missed all of 2022 after being imprisoned in Russia for 10 months for carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil through a Moscow airport.

Griner is a future Hall of Famer and one of the league's greatest-ever talents. With harrowing length and sumptuous touch around the rim, a fit and firing Griner is a nightmare to opposing bigs.

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So, just what is the outlook for the do-it-all center's 2023? Here's what you need to know.

Is Brittney Griner playing this season?

Griner will feature for the Mercury in 2023. It's a point she reiterated again and again in her (re-) introductory presser last month:

"I believe in me. I believe in what I can do. I know if I put my mind to it I can achieve any goal. I’m not trying to sound big-headed, but I bet on me. I have all the resources here to help me get to that point where I can play, and it was no question to be back in the WNBA, back in Phoenix playing.”

She put her mettle to the test in preseason. Griner was a full participant in Phoenix's training camp. The Mercury's social media team captured clips of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year strutting her stuff in the paint last month, indicating a return is on the horizon.

It’s one thing to be back on the court, it’s another thing to be back at home.

Be back with BG at Footprint Center on May 21st 🧡 pic.twitter.com/UTTYGHDJM5

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) April 24, 2023

Griner did one better a few weeks ago, taking part in the Mercury's final preseason game vs. the Sparks. She finished with 10 points on the night, including this sweet post fadeaway.

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𝐍𝐨. 𝟒𝟐 back on her home court! pic.twitter.com/2dfItAciHI

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 13, 2023

As it stands, Griner is on track to get bump in Phoenix's opening season game vs. Los Angeles on May 19. It's unclear whether she's starting or coming off the bench. But as long as she's healthy, it seems Griner plans on playing.

Mercury schedule 2023

The Mercury open their season on the road, facing off with the Nneka and Chiney Ogwumwike-led Sparks. Fans should have ample time to catch this year's product; the WNBA season expanded to a record 40 regular-season games in 2023.

Here's a list of Phoenix's first five games of the 2023 season with start time and broadcast information.