Retired WNBA Star Sue Bird Will Become 1st Player to Get Her Own Statue Next Month

Retired WNBA Star Sue Bird to Have Her Own Statue Unveiled​

Sue Bird, an iconic figure in the world of women’s basketball, is set to receive a monumental honour as she becomes the first WNBA player to have a statue erected in her name. The 44-year-old, who played an illustrious 21 seasons for the Seattle Storm, will have her statue unveiled in Seattle next month, making history in the process.

The momentous occasion is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, coinciding with the Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. The game has been dubbed the franchise’s “Forever Sue Game,” highlighting Bird’s enduring impact on the team and the sport. Storm president and CEO Alisha Valavanis expressed, “Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships—it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle. Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift—one that expanded who gets to lead, who gets seen and who gets celebrated.”

Having dedicated her entire career to the Storm, Bird’s contribution goes far beyond her achievements on the court. With her statue unveiling ceremony, she will be joined by members of the Storm front office, city officials, and fans alike, in a fitting tribute to her remarkable career. The renowned Rotblatt Amrany Studios, known for creating statues of sports legends such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, is behind the design of Bird’s statue, ensuring a fitting tribute to her legacy.

This accolade is just the latest in a series of honours for Bird, who retired in 2022 and currently serves as the managing director for the USA Women’s National Team. The five-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time WNBA All-Star is also set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September, further solidifying her status as a basketball legend.

Last year, Bird celebrated another milestone when it was announced that she would be honoured with her own Barbie role model doll, marking the toy’s 65th anniversary and the summer of sports initiative. Reflecting on this achievement, Bird shared her excitement at the recognition, stating, “I grew up playing with Barbies so it’s kind of a surreal moment when something like this happens.”

As a trailblazer in women’s sports, Bird’s impact goes beyond her on-court accolades, resonating with fans around the world. Her statue in Seattle will stand as a testament to her legacy and the cultural significance she holds in the realm of basketball and beyond. The unveiling ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating a true icon of the game.

The significance of Bird’s statue extends beyond mere recognition—it serves as a symbol of empowerment for women in sports and a reminder of the strides made towards gender equality in athletics. Bird’s influence reaches far beyond the basketball court, inspiring future generations of athletes to dream big and push boundaries in pursuit of their goals.

In a sports landscape dominated by male figures, Bird’s statue stands as a powerful representation of the impact and achievements of women in sports. As the first WNBA player to receive such an honour, Sue Bird’s legacy is etched in stone, inspiring generations to come and cementing her status as a true pioneer in the world of women’s basketball.