In a momentous ceremony on August 17, 2023, former Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird became the first player in WNBA history to receive a statue from her franchise. The unveiling took place outside Climate Pledge Arena prior to the Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. Bird’s contributions to the team and the sport have solidified her status as a legend, and this statue stands as a testament to her remarkable legacy.
During her speech, Bird expressed pride in being the first WNBA player to be honored in this way. She remarked, “The truth is that I never set out to be the first at anything, but if being the first means I won’t be the last, then I’m proud to be the first.” Her sentiment reflects a desire for future generations of players to receive similar recognition for their contributions to women’s basketball.
A Legacy of Excellence
Bird’s career with the Storm spanned two decades, during which she led the team to four WNBA championships, tying the franchise record. She retired as the league’s all-time leader in games played, minutes played, and assists, boasting a record 13 All-Star appearances. Her achievements extend beyond statistics, as highlighted by Hall of Famer Swin Cash, who stated, “Greatness changes the game. Greatness evolves. Greatness stays and has longevity. And that’s what Sue has.”
In addition to her on-court success, Bird has been a pivotal figure in promoting the WNBA and women’s sports overall. Her influence has been felt both within and outside the sport, inspiring countless young athletes. Following her retirement, Bird’s No. 10 jersey was retired by the Storm in 2023, and a street outside the arena was renamed “Sue Bird Court” last summer.
A Lasting Tribute
The statue, designed by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Roblatt Amrany Studio, features Bird in a classic layup pose, mirroring the silhouette depicted on the court at Climate Pledge Arena. Bird shared a personal connection to this pose, noting, “My very first points in the WNBA at KeyArena as a rookie were on a layup. My very final points in the WNBA were at Climate Pledge on a layup.”
Bird actively participated in the statue’s creation, relishing the experience of seeing her likeness take shape. “It was incredible,” she said. “Every little tweak made it more and more me, until finally, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s my nose. Oh, that’s definitely my hair.'” The statue holds particular significance as it captures Bird wearing the Nike Air Zoom Huarache sneakers she donned during her first Olympic gold medal win and the Storm’s inaugural championship in 2004.
The conversation around a statue for Bird began in earnest after the Storm’s third championship in 2018, gaining momentum with the opening of Climate Pledge Arena ahead of her final season. Bird’s honor is especially notable as she becomes the first female athlete in Seattle to be recognized with a statue outside a sports arena, joining the ranks of male athletes like Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ichiro, who have received similar tributes.
Bird concluded her speech by reflecting on her journey from being the No. 1 pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft to this historic moment. “I came to Seattle as Sue Bird the basketball player while leaving as Sue Bird the Seattleite,” she stated. “This statue will make sure a piece of me stays in this city forever, just like this city will always be a part of me.” Her words resonated with the audience, encapsulating the deep connection she has with both the team and the city.
