Brittney Griner is approaching the final stages of her celebrated WNBA career. While she remains capable of scoring 25 points in a game and continues to lead the league in blocks per contest, Griner recently turned 36, making the upcoming 2027 season—when she’ll make her return to Texas as part of the revived Houston Comets—likely her last in the league.
As part of her preparation for life after playing, Griner has secured a unique position in Unrivaled’s third season. She is one of six athletes in the development pool for the 2027 season, which kicks off on January 8 with games in Boston and Inglewood, California. Importantly, Griner will serve as the head of Unrivaled’s new Player Coach Development Program, where she will hone her leadership and coaching abilities while still competing on the court. This role provides her with mentorship from Unrivaled’s head coaches and practical coaching experience.
Griner’s path toward coaching began last season in Connecticut, where she participated in film sessions in a coaching internship capacity. Unrivaled will now expand this role, supporting her transition from player to coach and helping her build a foundation for her post-playing career.
Fan Take: This news is an exciting sign for WNBA fans, showcasing how the league is helping legends like Griner evolve their careers beyond playing. It also highlights a growing emphasis on leadership and mentorship within women’s basketball, potentially inspiring more players to remain involved in the sport through coaching and development.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

