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Historic Sue Bird News Emerges on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:31 PM ET

Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002, Sue Bird spent 19 seasons in Seattle, leading the team to four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020).

A 13‑time All‑Star, Bird retired holding WNBA records for career assists (3,234), games started (580), and total wins (332).

Internationally, she amassed five Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and four FIBA World Cup golds, cementing her status as one of basketball’s most decorated competitors.

Now, fans will get to witness a historic moment on Sunday, Aug. 17, when the Storm will unveil a bronze statue honoring the WNBA legend, marking the first time a WNBA franchise has immortalized one of its players in sculpture outside its home court.

Save the date

https://t.co/ZyRQ8FuHWm pic.twitter.com/eQgvGRBQac
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 2, 2025

The franchise announced the statue reveal on Wednesday.

"Today, as the first WNBA franchise to honor a player with a statue, we celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the standard of excellence and future she helped shape for the next generation of athletes, leaders and advocates," Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis said in a statement.

"For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court. It’s because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart. This statue isn’t just for me, it’s for anyone out there hoping to one day pursue their passions and live out their dreams," said Bird.

The proximity of Bird’s statue to that of Lenny Wilkens, unveiled just days earlier, creates a visual dialogue between two of Seattle’s greatest basketball figures.

In April, Bird joined UConn legend Maya Moore in Springfield, Massachusetts, as part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and in 2023, the Storm honored Bird by retiring her No. 10 jersey.

Now, Bird will get to celebrate another historic achievement for her legendary WNBA career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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