Sue Bird immortalized: Seattle Storm to honor the legend with a statue
The Seattle Storm announced that they will unveil a statue of the iconic WNBA player, Sue Bird, on August 17th. This historic event will take place outside Climate Pledge Arena, making Bird the first player in the league to be honored with a statue by her franchise. Sue Bird, one of the most decorated athletes in basketball history, spent her entire 21-season career with the Storm. During her time on the team, she led the Storm to win WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. After her retirement following the 2022 season, Bird became a minority owner of the organization.The statue unveiling ceremony will take place on the morning before the Storm’s Sunday afternoon game against the Phoenix Mercury, a match the team has dubbed the “Forever Sue Game.” The event will feature speeches from Bird, Storm leaders, city officials, and more. The Bird statue was created by Roblatt Amrany Studio, the same company that made 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.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
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 later this year. The five-time Olympic gold medalist, 13-time WNBA All-Star, and WNBA all-time assists leader, had her number retired by the Storm in 2023.Sue’s legacy is not only written in championships, but is interwoven into the fabric 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, President and CEO of the Storm
