In a historic ceremony held before the Seattle Storm faced the Phoenix Mercury on August 17, 2023, legendary former guard Sue Bird was honored with a statue outside Climate Pledge Arena. Bird, who spent her entire two-decade career with the Storm, is the first player in the WNBA to receive such recognition from her franchise. The statue commemorates her significant contributions to the team and the sport.

Sue Bird’s Legacy Celebrated

During her speech, Bird reflected on the honor, 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, then I’m proud to be the first.” She expressed hope that her statue would pave the way for other WNBA greats to be recognized in the future.

Bird’s career is marked by extraordinary achievements. She led the Storm to four WNBA championships, tying for the most titles by any franchise. She retired as the league’s all-time leader in games played, minutes, and assists, making a record 13 All-Star appearances. Yet, as fellow players and speakers emphasized, Bird’s impact extends beyond statistics. Hall of Famer Swin Cash remarked, “Greatness changes the game. Greatness evolves. And that’s what Sue has.”

A Unique Tribute

The statue, created by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Roblatt Amrany Studio, showcases Bird in a dynamic layup pose, reminiscent of the silhouette seen on the court at Climate Pledge Arena. Bird revealed that the layup holds special personal significance, noting, “My very first points in the WNBA were on a layup. My very final points in the WNBA were at Climate Pledge on a layup.”

The statue’s unveiling is part of a series of honors bestowed upon Bird since her retirement, which includes the Storm retiring her No. 10 jersey in 2023 and the renaming of the street outside Climate Pledge Arena to “Sue Bird Court” last summer. Bird is also set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame later this year.

Bird played a significant role in the statue’s design, overseeing various aspects of the project. She remarked on the experience, saying, “It was incredible to see myself in clay form. Every little tweak made it more and more me.” The statue also features Bird in her iconic Nike Air Zoom Huarache sneakers, which she wore during pivotal moments in her career, including her first Olympic gold medal and the Storm’s inaugural championship in 2004.

Discussion of a statue began in earnest following the Storm’s third championship in 2018 and gained momentum with the opening of Climate Pledge Arena. Bird’s recognition is especially noteworthy, as she is the first WNBA player to receive a statue outside a league arena, as well as the first female athlete to be honored in this manner in Seattle. Other notable athletes, including Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners, have statues in the city.

In concluding her speech, Bird reflected on her journey from being the No. 1 pick in the 2002 WNBA draft to becoming an integral part of Seattle’s sports community. “I came to Seattle as Sue Bird the basketball player while leaving as Sue Bird the Seattleite,” she said. “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 humorously added, “When you inevitably see a little bird poop on the shoulder, don’t worry about it. Just consider it family checking in.”