Brittney Griner Writing Memoir on Russia Ordeal, 2024 Release Set

WNBA star Brittney Griner is now back in the United States after her harrowing experience. Now, she is planning to write a book which will be a memoir of her time in Russia.

The 32-year-old Phoenix Mercury star made a surprise appearance and speech at a National Action Network women's empowerment luncheon in New York City with Rev. Al Sharpton on Thursday. Sharpton, a civil rights activist, was one of the loudest voices in asking the U.S. government to negotiate and secure the basketball star's release from a Russian prison.

"Everyone in this room that came together, that sent up every prayer, it reached me while I was there [in Russia]," said Griner in her speech.

She spent 10 months in the custody of the Russian government over cannabis oil in her vape canisters. She was sentenced to nine years in prison for this, which human rights activists and the U.S. government say is too much for such a small offense.

During her speech, Brittney Griner also announced that she would be writing her memoir about her time in a Russian penal colony. She promises to tell her "raw, emotional" story of her arrest and ten-month detainment in Russia in that book, which will be released next year.

The book promises to contain previously-unheard details about Griner's "stark" living conditions and the "terrifying aspects" of day-to-day life in a foreign prison.

The memoir promises to be "intimate and moving" and will explore how the global #WeAreBG movement supported her during her detainment. According to People Magazine, the Brittney Griner book will also talk about why she was playing in a Russian league in the first place, and that is pay inequality.

Brittney Griner to Continue to Fight for Other Americans Detained Overseas

During the event where she announced her upcoming memoir, Griner also stated that she still has not forgotten her compatriots who are still currently being imprisoned in Russia. Flanked by Rev. Sharpton and her wife, Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner promised to fight to bring those Americans who are wrongfully detained overseas.

"I want to continue to fight to bring home every American detained overseas. That means everything to me," she said during the speech.

Also detained is Paul Whelan, a former marine who was accused of espionage in Russia. The government was criticized for not also bringing him back home, though the Biden administration admitted his case was far more complicated than Griner, as it is espionage.

However, Biden's ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield was the keynote speaker and she talked about the importance of bringing back "every single American who's being unjustly detained."

Phoenix Mercury Reveal New 2023 Season Campaign With Britney Griner

Griner won't just be busy writing her book, but as the WNBA season approaches, she will also be busy with her main job, basketball, as she returns to play in the WNBA for the Phoenix Mercury.

The team revealed a new campaign on Thursday, and it is called "Valley Together," with Griner herself at the center of the campaign.

"Reunited with Griner and celebrating her return to the floor with a roster retooled around teamwork, Valley Together celebrates the Mercury's embrace of its fanbase and connection to the Valley community," said a team press release.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Brittney Griner Says She'll Fight To Bring Home Captive Americans In Russia | TMZ Sports