The arrest in Russia earlier this year of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner made worldwide headlines. But few dug into why she was playing abroad in the first place.

Today, we hear how Griner is just one of many female athletes who find themselves abroad year after year to play the games they love, geopolitics be damned. All because they can’t get a fair wage in the United States. Read the full transcript here.

Host: Gustavo Arellano

Guest: L.A. Times sports editor Iliana Limón Romero

More reading:

Brittney Griner’s arrest in Russia: What you need to know

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with decal on teams’ floors

Commentary: Why Brittney Griner was in Russia, and what it says about women’s sports in the U.S.