In a historic event on August 20, 2023, the Seattle Storm unveiled a statue of legendary guard Sue Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena, making her the first player in the WNBA to receive such an honor from her franchise. The ceremony took place before a game against the Phoenix Mercury, celebrating Bird’s remarkable career and profound impact on women’s basketball.
During her speech, Bird reflected on the significance of being the first WNBA player to be immortalized in this way. “People keep asking me what it feels like to be the first. The truth is that I never set out to be the first at anything,” she said. Yet, she expressed pride in the potential for future recognitions, stating, “If this statue means that 20 years from now there will be statues of other WNBA greats… then I’m proud to be the first.”
A Career of Records and Impact
Sue Bird’s career spanned two decades, all spent with the Seattle Storm. Her tenure included leading the franchise to four WNBA championships, tying for the most by any team in league history. Bird also retired as the league’s all-time leader in games played, minutes played, and assists, and made a remarkable 13 All-Star appearances.
While statistics highlight her success, Bird’s impact extends beyond numbers. Swin Cash, a Hall of Famer and Bird’s former teammate, emphasized the essence of greatness in her tribute. “Greatness changes the game. Greatness evolves. Greatness stays and has longevity. And that’s what Sue has,” Cash stated.
The statue, crafted by sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Roblatt Amrany Studio, depicts Bird in the act of making a layup, a symbolic gesture linking to her initial and final points scored in the WNBA. “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 remarked, highlighting the emotional connection she has with the moment.
Honoring Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations
Bird’s statue joins a select group of sports figures commemorated in Seattle, including Lenny Wilkens, a former player and coach of the Seattle SuperSonics. While men like Ken Griffey, Jr. and Edgar Martinez already have statues honoring their contributions to the city, Bird’s recognition as the first female athlete in Seattle to receive this honor marks a significant milestone.
Reflecting on her journey, Bird stated, “I came to Seattle as Sue Bird the basketball player while leaving as Sue Bird the Seattleite. This statue will make sure a piece of me stays in this city forever.” She concluded her speech with a light-hearted comment about the inevitable bird droppings on the statue, saying, “Just consider it family checking in and reminding me where home is.”
Bird, whose jersey number 10 was retired by the Storm in 2023, is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame later this year. The statue’s unveiling is a testament to her lasting influence on the game and her role as a pioneer for future generations of female athletes.
