Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury Player And Gay WNBA Draft Pick, Signs Deal With Nike

Newly Out Basketball Player Signs Nike Endorsement Deal
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 20: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a photo before the press conference and introduction to the team on April 20, 2013 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 20: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a photo before the press conference and introduction to the team on April 20, 2013 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chatter about the first openly gay male athlete snagging an endorsement deal has been making headlines for some time. In fact, Nike was reportedly among the companies eager to endorse an out gay player.

Though a male athlete has yet to come forward, women's college basketball star Brittney Griner nonetheless openly discussed her sexuality in a Sports Illustrated interview last week.

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft pick and new Phoenix Mercury player has just signed an endorsement deal with Nike. Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner's sports agent confirmed the exciting news with USA Today.

As noted by SheWired, Griner described the deal as "big time."

Last June, Nike hosted its first-ever lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sports summit in Portland, Oregon.

Hopefully, out and proud professional athletes such as Griner and supportive companies such as Nike will inspire LGBT youth and adults to live their lives freely.

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