SEATTLE — Less than a year after hanging up her basketball shoes, one of Seattle's most successful professional athletes will be taking on a new title with her former team.
Sue Bird has joined the ownership group of the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) Seattle Storm, Force 10 Hoops. Bird played over 20 seasons with the Storm, bringing four WNBA championships to the Emerald City. Bird also has amassed five Olympic gold medals over her decorated basketball career.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sue into the ownership group after a storied career on the court,” said Seattle Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel in a team release. “Her knowledge of the game and the league, her ever-expanding business acumen, and her dedication to the Storm organization, make her a superb addition to the ownership group.”
“As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game,” said Bird in the release. “Investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion; it’s smart business. It’s about recognizing the immense talent, dedication, and market potential our league has always had. Force 10 Hoops and the Storm have been at the forefront of this for decades. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of basketball, but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.”
Bird also won two national championships with the University of Connecticut during her collegiate career and was named to the All-WNBA team eight times.
She joins the Storm ownership group at a pivotal time, as the popularity of women's basketball nationally has exploded over the past few years. The Storm recently officially unveiled the team's new $64 million practice facility in the Interbay neighborhood of Seattle.
The Storm added two players in free agency with impressive resumes this offseason in Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike. Seattle also drafted a player in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Nika Muhl, who also played at UCONN and has drawn comparisons to Bird.
The first game of the 2024 season for the Storm will be Tuesday, May 14 at Climate Pledge Arena.