Sue Bird Honored with Statue at Seattle Storm Ceremony

In a historic ceremony on August 17, 2023, Sue Bird became the first player in WNBA history to be honored with a statue outside her franchise’s arena. The unveiling took place before the Seattle Storm faced the Phoenix Mercury at the newly named Climate Pledge Arena. Bird, a legendary guard who dedicated her entire two-decade career to the Storm, reflected on the significance of the moment during her speech.

“People keep asking me what it feels like to be the first,” Bird stated. “The truth is that I never set out to be the first at anything, but if being the first means I won’t be the last…than I’m proud to be the first.” Bird’s words underscored her journey from rookie to iconic player, and the statue symbolizes her lasting legacy in women’s basketball.

Celebrating a Legendary Career

Bird’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Over her career, she led the Storm to four WNBA championships, tying the franchise record. She also retired as the league’s all-time leader in games, minutes played, and assists, earning a record 13 All-Star appearances. Yet, fellow players and speakers highlighted that her greatness extends beyond statistics.

“Greatness changes the game. Greatness evolves. Greatness stays and has longevity. And that’s what Sue has,”

said Swin Cash, a Hall of Famer who played alongside Bird in college and professional basketball.

Bird’s statue, crafted by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany from Roblatt Amrany Studio, depicts her in the midst of a layup, reminiscent of the silhouette seen on the Climate Pledge court. Bird chose this pose for its personal significance; she noted that her first points in the WNBA were also scored on a layup.

“My very final points in the WNBA were at Climate Pledge on a layup,” she added, reminiscing about her career’s bookends.

A Lasting Legacy in Seattle

The conversation about a statue began after the Storm’s third championship win in 2018, gaining momentum as Climate Pledge Arena was renovated ahead of Bird’s final season in 2022. Bird’s accolades have been numerous, including the Storm retiring her No. 10 jersey in 2023 and the street outside the arena being renamed Sue Bird Court last summer. She is also set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame later this year.

“I don’t know if ‘honor’ even really covers it,” Bird commented. “It’s a bronze statue that will be there forever. It feels different when you think of it that way.” As the first female athlete to receive such recognition in Seattle, Bird expressed pride in joining the ranks of other notable local athletes, including Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki, who also have statues in the city.

Bird acknowledged the disparity in recognition for female athletes compared to their male counterparts. “There’s just not a lot of women that are honored in this way,” she said. “I’m actually really proud and honored, especially in the city of Seattle, to be with those other male athletes.” Her sentiments resonate not just for her but for the future of women’s sports.

As she concluded her speech, Bird reflected on her journey from being the No. 1 pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft to becoming a beloved figure in Seattle. “This statue will make sure a piece of me stays in this city forever, just like this city will always be a part of me,” she stated, adding a light-hearted note about the inevitable bird droppings on her statue, humorously reminding everyone of her enduring connection to her home.