Sue Bird stands as one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history. Over 21 years, she helped turn the Seattle Storm into a powerhouse and the WNBA into a global brand.
Bird is a four-time WNBA champion, 13-time All-Star, and the league’s all-time assists leader. Off the court, she became a champion for gender equity. Now, as the Storm prepare to unveil her statue, Bird’s legacy is set in bronze, marking a historic first for the franchise and the league.
Caitlin Clark Salutes As Sue Bird Becomes First WNBA Star With Franchise Statue
Just hours after the Storm announced that Bird’s statue would be unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday, August 17, at 10 a.m., Clark took to her Instagram Story to react to the news. The Indiana Fever star reposted an ESPNW graphic celebrating Bird’s milestone and overlaid it with a single, emphatic word: “duh @sBird10.”
Clark’s one-word reaction summed up the feelings of countless fans who see Bird’s statue as a fitting honor. The upcoming unveiling marks a historic moment for the WNBA, as no former player has ever been honored by her team in this way.
The Seattle Storm, in partnership with Climate Pledge Arena, will host a special press conference on the West Plaza, featuring speeches from Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis, city officials, WNBA legends, and Bird herself.
Roblatt Amrany Studio sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, known for statues of baseball great Ken Griffey Jr. and basketball legend Lenny Wilkens, was commissioned to create the life-size bronze sculpture. The statue will celebrate Bird’s four FIBA World Cup gold medals and five Olympic gold medals, as well as her impact on the game and her community.
“Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships, it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle,” Valavanis said. “Today, as the first WNBA franchise to honor a player with a statue, we celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the future she helped pave for the next generation of athletes. This statue is a promise that what Sue stands for will keep rising, and young people, especially girls, will always see themselves in greatness.”
For Bird, the honor carries personal significance. “For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court,” she said in a statement. “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.”
After the statue unveiling ceremony, fans can join a free community fan fest starting at 12 p.m. Climate Pledge Arena will open its doors at 1:30 p.m., and the fan fest will wrap up with the “Forever Sue” game, featuring the Seattle Storm against the Phoenix Mercury, presented by BECU at 3 p.m. The first 7,500 attendees will receive a commemorative drawing of Bird in action by local artist Keegan Hall.
Seattle’s decision to erect Bird’s statue also shows the city’s commitment to celebrating women’s sports. Climate Pledge Arena, the first zero-carbon certified arena in the world, will serve as the backdrop for this historic moment. For now, Seattle’s celebration centers on Bird’s unprecedented tribute.