On Sunday, Sue Bird was part of history. As a result, she became the first player in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history to be honored with a statue from her franchise. The dedication ceremony was held outside Climate Pledge Arena. This arena is the home of the Seattle Storm, where Bird spent her entire illustrious career.
The statue, crafted by artist and sculptor Julie Rotblatt Amrany, captures Bird in mid-layup, showcasing her iconic playing style while wearing Nike Air Zoom Huarache sneakers. This momentous occasion not only honors Bird’s outstanding contributions to the team but serves as a tribute to her legacy in women’s basketball.
Bird was selected with the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm. This choice began the beautiful journey of her phenomenal 20-year career. During her six-year stint, she proved to be one of the league’s all-time best point guards. By guiding the Storm to four title wins, she became a 13-time WNBA All-Star.
When Bird retired in 2022, she left behind a legacy that had seen her play the most games and record the most minutes in league history. Her record-setting tally of assists underscored her incredible effect on the game. Her accomplishments reach well past the WNBA. Boasting five Olympic gold medals and two NCAA championships, she’s proven time and time again that she is unmatched as an athlete.
The unveiling of the statue is heavy with importance. It represents Bird’s remarkable journey, which began at KeyArena—now called Climate Pledge Arena—where she started her career and netted her first points in the WNBA with a layup. The decision to place this new statue at this particular location is an important part of the full-circle moment Bird’s career has come to represent.
Bird’s contributions to basketball go beyond statistics and championships. She has been a role model for aspiring athletes and has advocated for women’s sports throughout her life. The statue will be a permanent homage to her incredible accomplishments and tireless commitment to growing the game.
