The WNBA and the NBA called for the release of Brittney Griner after the two-time Olympic gold medalist was found guilty of drug charges and sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert and NBA commissioner Adam Silver maintained in a joint statement shortly after the news of Griner’s sentencing broke that she was "wrongly detained," echoing the sentiment of the White House on Thursday,

"Today’s verdict and sentencing is unjustified and unfortunate, but not unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongly detained," the statement read. "The WNBA and NBA’s commitment to her safe return has not wavered and it is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home to the United States."