The WNBA might have seen a sudden surge in fan following from 2024, but the league already had produced some of the finest players and legends in Women’s basketball. Started in 1997, the league is now on the rise, and the franchises are also looking to honor their former stars for their contributions so far. The first one to get a major honor is Sue Bird.
The star was drafted in the league in 2002, and over her 2-decade-long career, she won four titles, 13 All-Star appearances, and eight All-WNBA Team selections. She played for the Seattle Storm throughout her career and kept the franchise in title contention with her gameplay. The franchise recently made a surprise announcement.
Seattle Storm With Special Honor For Sue Bird
Sue Bird, competitive on the court and loved by all off the court, is a perfect example of a point guard in the WNBA. She led the league in assists three times and was crucial in the Seattle Storm’s dominance in the early years of the league. Now, the Seattle Storm will preserve Sue Bird’s legacy forever.
Per the franchise’s latest announcement, the team will unveil a statue in Bird’s honor. The statue will be outside the Seattle Storm’s current home court, Climate Pledge Arena. This will be a significant honor for the player and the first of its kind in the WNBA.
Celebrating a legend ⛈️🐐
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 2, 2025
As we honor Sue Bird’s legacy with a statue outside Climate Pledge Arena on August 17, join us for a free community fan fest and our Forever Sue Game presented by @BECU!
🎟️ https://t.co/9P18lZAJ7Y pic.twitter.com/Qrgz85HNrs
So far, WNBA players have been honored by having their jerseys retired. Recently, the LA Sparks also retired Candace Parker’s jersey. The LA team had already hung Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler’s jerseys in the rafters. Cynthia Cooper, Tamika Catchings, and Maya Moore are a few other Hall of Famers whose jerseys have been retired by their respective franchises. However, none of these stars have their statues in their honor. The unveiling ceremony for Sue Bird’s statue will be on 17 Aug. near Climate Pledge Arena.
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Sue Bird’s Legacy In The WNBA
Even though the monumental event will take place in August, preparations are already underway. Roblatt Amrany Studio has created Sue Bird’s statue. Though the details of the statue are not out yet, the famous studio has already created many other statues in Seattle.
While a statue would be a fitting gift for Bird’s legacy, her impact on Women’s basketball is unmatchable. Her influence extends from her decorated playing career to her current role as the first-ever managing director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
Her leadership, longevity, and commitment to excellence have inspired generations of players and fans. It has also elevated the visibility and impact of women’s sports. The Storm Franchise icon was inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame.
Also Read: “I’m Doing Everything In My Power”: Candace Parker Unveils Bold, Ambitious Dream For WNBA Greatness