Seattle Storm Honors Sue Bird with Statue: WNBA Legend Immortalized

Sue Bird Will Be Honored with Statue by Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm announced that they will unveil a statue of WNBA legend Sue Bird on August 17, in front of Climate Pledge Arena. This event will mark a milestone, as Bird will become the first player to receive this honor from a WNBA franchise. Bird, one of the most prominent figures in basketball history, played her entire 21-season career with the Storm. She led the team to WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. After her retirement in 2022, Bird became a minority owner of the organization.

For more than two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court. It is thanks to this community that Seattle will always have a special place in my heart. This statue is not just for me, it’s for anyone who hopes to one day pursue their passions and live their dreams.
Sue Bird

The statue unveiling ceremony will take place the morning before the Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, which the team has dubbed the “Forever Sue Game.” The event will include speeches from Bird, Storm leaders, city officials, and more. Bird’s statue was created by Rotblatt Amrany Studio, the same company that designed the statues of Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Dave Niehaus at T-Mobile Park, Lenny Wilkens at Climate Pledge Arena, and A’ja Wilson in South Carolina. Alisha Valavanis, President and CEO of the Storm, highlighted Bird’s importance in the community.

Sue’s legacy is not only written in championships, but is intertwined in the essence of Seattle. Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift, one that broadened who can lead, who is seen, and who is celebrated.
Alisha Valavanis

Bird, who was named general manager of the United States Women’s National Team earlier this year, was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame last month and will be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year. The five-time Olympic gold medalist, 13-time WNBA All-Star, and all-time WNBA assists leader had her number retired by the Storm in 2023.