WNBA

The star with the U.S. Olympic and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury was bracketed by four security officers and a dog as she was led down a stairwell to a courtroom for Monday's hearing.

Bird has played with the Seattle Storm since being drafted by the team in 2002. On Thursday, she announced that the current WNBA season, her 19th playing, will be her last.

Griner was arrested after authorities reportedly found vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage. The shift in language indicates the U.S. will work more aggressively to secure her release.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said consular officials were granted access to the basketball star on Wednesday. He added that she is in good condition.

Media coverage of Griner's arrest on alleged drug charges in Russia has remained somewhat muted. Some say it's because of her skin color, but others say it's part of a bigger strategy to get her home.

Speaking in Moldova, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Americans to leave Russia and vowed to support any American being held by Russia.

Player organizations in the NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA and MLB were sent an open letter by the organization's national and state presidents.

The Chicago Sky rallied from behind to beat the Phoenix Mercury and bring home the city's first-ever WNBA title. They're being celebrated by their hometown, including former President Barack Obama.

The new three-member investor group which purchased the team includes former Dream player Renee Montgomery, making her the first retired player to have become both a co-owner and a WNBA executive.