Sue Bird Honored with Statue, First WNBA Player to Receive This Tribute

During a ceremony on March 17, 2024, before the Seattle Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, legendary former guard Sue Bird became the first WNBA player to be honored with a statue outside of the Climate Pledge Arena. This momentous occasion celebrated Bird’s remarkable contributions to the franchise and the league, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s basketball.

In her speech, Bird reflected on the significance of being the first player to receive such recognition, stating, “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, but if being the first means I won’t be the last, I’m proud to be the first.” Her words resonate with the hope that this honor paves the way for future WNBA legends.

A Legacy Built on Excellence

Over her two-decade career with the Storm, Bird established herself as one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history. She led the team to four championships, tying the franchise record, and retired as the league’s all-time leader in games, minutes played, and assists, with an impressive tally of 13 All-Star appearances.

Yet, as noted by fellow Hall of Famer Swin Cash, Bird’s influence transcends statistics. Cash stated, “Greatness changes the game. Greatness evolves. Greatness stays and has longevity. And that’s what Sue has.” This sentiment echoes the broader impact Bird has had on the sport.

In addition to the statue, Bird’s accolades include the retirement of her No. 10 jersey in 2023 and the renaming of the street outside Climate Pledge Arena to “Sue Bird Court” last summer. This statue, however, stands out as a lasting tribute, as Bird explained, “I don’t know if ‘honor’ even really covers it… it feels different when you think of it that way.”

The Statue’s Symbolism

The statue, created by Roblatt Amrany Studio sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, features Bird in a layup pose, echoing the silhouette on the court of Climate Pledge Arena. Bird chose this pose as a tribute to her journey in the league. She noted, “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 played a significant role in overseeing the statue’s details, including the choice of her iconic Nike Air Zoom Huarache sneakers, worn during pivotal moments in her career, including her first Olympic gold medal and the Storm’s inaugural championship in 2004. She described the process as both interesting and rewarding, expressing amazement at seeing her likeness take shape in clay.

The conversation around Bird’s statue began in earnest following the Storm’s third championship in 2018, gaining momentum with the opening of Climate Pledge Arena ahead of her final season. Bird has now become the first WNBA player to be honored with a statue outside of a WNBA arena and the first female athlete recognized in Seattle in this manner.

Seattle’s sports landscape has previously celebrated male athletes with statues, including Hall of Famers Ken Griffey, Jr. and Edgar Martinez from baseball, alongside Lenny Wilkens, a noted player and coach for the Seattle SuperSonics. Bird’s inclusion in this elite group is a testament to her impact on the sport and her legacy in the city.

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,” she said, underscoring her deep connection to the community. “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.”

Bird’s statue stands not only as a tribute to her individual achievements but also as a symbol of the evolving recognition of women’s sports and the impact of female athletes in professional sports history.