New York, New York - WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke about Brittney Griner’s long-awaited arrival and possible return to action on the court, as the star athlete touched down in Texas after her release from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange.

During a Zoom press conference on Thursday, Engelbert said she was aware negotiations had been "intensifying" and was "emotional" as discussions came down to the wire.

"These are geopolitically complex times in the moment. And so I’m overjoyed that BG will be reunited with her parents," the commissioner added.

"Her mom and dad, as a mom myself, I can’t imagine the anguish they have been going through. And obviously, you saw Cherelle at the White House this morning as events unfolded. And let’s not forget BG’s fellow WNBA players too. They advocated every day for her, and the whole women’s basketball ecosystem."

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As for making contact, Engelbert won't rush things: "We’re obviously going to respect the privacy of this very critical time in her coming back home. And obviously, I’d love to call her. I’d love to see her. We’re going to give her the appropriate space and time for that, and then follow what Brittney and her family want to do about reengaging with the WNBA and our players."

"I know our players are very anxious to reunite with Brittney as well."

Griner, a two-time Olympian and 2014 WNBA champion, was arrested on February 17 at a Moscow airport after Russian customs officials found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She was later convicted of drug possession and smuggling, which led to a nine-year sentence in a penal colony.

After months of negotiations, the Biden administration signed off on a trade to release Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to free Griner. Her flight touched down in San Antonio, Texas, early on Friday, ending a nightmare that lasted for almost a year.

"There has not been a day over the past 10 months where we all haven’t had Brittney Griner on our minds and in our hearts and that has now turned into a collective wave of joy and relief knowing that she will soon be reunited with her family, the WNBA player community, and her friends," Engelbert wrote in a statement.

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The joy in Englebert’s statement is shared to how the WNBA and sports world reacted after hearing the news.

Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart wrote “BG is FREE!!!” on Twitter shortly after Griner’s release, while Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving thanked Griner on Twitter for "exemplifying what a true Warrior spirit looks like."

The Phoenix Mercury, Griner’s current team, said in a statement the fight to bring the star home "has illustrated the power of the WNBA, its players, platform, and mission."