In a momentous event on August 17, 2023, the Seattle Storm unveiled a statue of legendary guard Sue Bird outside the Climate Pledge Arena, marking her as the first player in the WNBA to receive such an honor from her franchise. This ceremony took place just prior to the Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, celebrating Bird’s two-decade career with the team.
During her speech, Bird reflected on her unique position. “People keep asking me what it feels like to be the first,” she 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… then I’m proud to be the first.” Her achievement is not only personal but significant for the future of women’s basketball, potentially paving the way for more statues honoring WNBA greats.
Bird’s contributions to the Storm and the league are profound. She led the team to four WNBA championships, tying the franchise record. Over her illustrious career, she became the all-time leader in games played, minutes logged, and assists, while also earning 13 All-Star selections. Yet, fellow speakers emphasized that Bird’s impact transcends statistics. “Greatness changes the game,” remarked Hall of Famer Swin Cash, who played alongside Bird at both UConn and with the Storm. “And that’s what Sue has.”
The statue itself, crafted by artist Julie Rotblatt-Amrany from Roblatt Amrany Studio, captures Bird in a dynamic layup pose, reminiscent of her silhouette on the court. Interestingly, Bird noted that her first and last points in the WNBA were both scored on layups. “My very first points in the WNBA at KeyArena as a rookie were on a layup,” she shared. “My very final points in the WNBA were at Climate Pledge on a layup.”
Bird played an active role in the statue’s development, overseeing its details, including her choice of sneakers—Nike Air Zoom Huarache, which she wore during pivotal moments in her career, including winning her first Olympic gold medal and the Storm’s initial championship in 2004. “It was incredible to see the sculpture evolve,” she said, expressing her excitement each time she visited the studio.
The idea of a statue honoring Bird gained momentum following the Storm’s third championship win in 2018, intensifying once Climate Pledge Arena was completed in time for her final season in 2022. While other WNBA players have statues at their college venues, Bird stands out as the first to be honored outside a WNBA arena, as well as being the first female athlete to receive such recognition in Seattle. Statues of Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ichiro exist at nearby Mariners games, and Bird now joins the ranks of Seattle sports legends including Lenny Wilkens, whose statue was unveiled earlier this year.
“I’m really proud and honored, especially in the city of Seattle, to be with those other male athletes,” Bird said. “There’s just not a lot of women that are honored in this way, and we have tons of men.” She emphasized her pride in being the first WNBA player to receive this honor.
As Bird concluded her speech, she reflected on her journey since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. “I came to Seattle as Sue Bird the basketball player while leaving as Sue Bird the Seattleite,” she stated. The statue, she believes, ensures a piece of her legacy remains in the city, a sentiment she punctuated with humor: “And when you inevitably see a little bird poop on the shoulder, don’t worry about it. Just consider it family checking in and reminding me where home is.”
This heartfelt celebration of Bird’s career not only commemorates her exceptional achievements but also signifies a broader acknowledgment of women’s contributions to sports, inspiring future generations of athletes.
