Phoenix Mercury marks Brittney Griner’s return to the basketball court in style as three-time Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean ‘will put on a celebratory halftime show’
- Griner missed last season due to her imprisonment in Russia over THC capsules
- The performances are part of a deal with The Sum, a new music platform
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner’s first home game since returning from captivity in Russia will include a special treat as Wyclef Jean will reportedly be performing at halftime, according to TMZ.
The Phoenix Mercury takes on the Chicago Sky at the Footprint Center on May 21, and anticipation for Griner’s return to her home job has already gone through the roof — even before news of the performance broke.
TMZ also noted that one of the songs performed during Jean’s set will be Bob Marley’s iconic single “One Love,” on which he will be joined by 200 fans selected to perform.
He will also give a full concert after the game. The performances are part of a collaboration between Mercury and The Sum, a new music platform from Anagram Studios.
Mercury President Vince Kozar also expressed excitement for the May 21 festivities.
Brittney Griner will return to the home court of the Phoenix Mercury on May 21
3x Grammy award-winning artist Wyclef Jean will perform during and after the game
Griner missed last season due to her prison sentence for illegal possession of cannabis
May 21 will be an unforgettable experience for our fans and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to have an award-winning artist of the caliber of Wyclef Jean with us to celebrate BG’s return and another Mercury season.
“We are so grateful to partner with The Sum and excited about how their show will take our in-arena experience to the next level.”
Griner missed the entire season last season after being imprisoned in a Russian penal colony for nine months after THC cartridges were found in her luggage before playing a season in Russia during the WNBA offseason.
She eventually came home after the US brokered a prison exchange for her release, and upon her return quickly announced her intention to return to court.
Griner also signed a new one-year contract with Phoenix in February.
“Look forward to all those moments. Just woke up from the first home game, the grind, the sweat, the blood,” Griner said at last month’s press conference.
“Taking it all in. I missed it.’
During her final season with the Mercury, Griner averaged 20.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while also earning an All-Star nomination.