Griner is expected to play her first game with the Phoenix Mercury on May 19th. The team, which she’s already been under contract with in recent years, is already selling tickets for the so-called “Welcome Home Opener.”

“We will continue to use the resources of our organization to support it, both on and off the field,” Bateman said. “Anyway, it’s great that you can come back. This is a special contract signing.”

Grenier, who won two Olympic gold medals with the US national team, is considered one of the best basketball players in the world. She left for Russia to play for Russia’s UMMC Yekaterinburg between American seasons.