Sue Bird Will Be the First WNBA player to Receive Their Own Statue
The Women’s National Basketball Association continues to achieve historic firsts. From unprecedented viewership to consistent sold out attendance and even more global reach. Nevertheless, another first is coming just next month in August. Seattle “W” legend Sue Bird will be the first WNBA player to receive their own statue. The unveiling will take place during a special press conference at Climate Pledge Arena (West Plaza), featuring remarks from Storm franchise leadership, city officials, WNBA legends, and Sue Bird.
For decades in the NBA many superstars have gone on to be immortalized in stone. Some outside where they played, their hometowns or universities. Players such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird (outside the Hulman Center on the campus of Indiana State); and Wilt Chamberlain to name a few. However, now the WNBA will begin embarking on their own journey in honoring their greats and icons.
The first WNBA player to reach this historic feat and milestone will be 13-time WNBA All-Star, Sue Bird. Bird was the number one overall pick back in 2002; going on to play 19 seasons while becoming a four-time WNBA Champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). As well as the All-time WNBA assists leader, passing Ticha Penicheiro on Aug. 1, 2017 at Washington with dime No. 2,600; finished her stellar career with 3,234 total assists.
Furthermore, even on the global stage, Sue made quite the statement. Bird also boasts five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA World Cup championships with USA Basketball. Garnering an impressive 162-9 Record with USA Basketball.
Bird is thrilled and appreciative of Seattle’s efforts to honor her career and legacy. Regarding her upcoming statue reveal, Bird mentions,
“For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court. It’s because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart. This statue isn’t just for me, it’s for anyone out there hoping to one day pursue their passions and live out their dreams. I’m thankful to the Storm and Seattle for this honor, and can’t wait to celebrate with my family, friends and our amazing fans this August.”
Sue Bird Will Be the First WNBA player to Receive Their Own Statue
In press statement, Seattle Storm President & CEO Alisha Valavanis discussed the Sue Bird statue. She says,
“Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships—it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle. Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift—one that expanded who gets to lead, who gets seen and who gets celebrated.
Today, as the first WNBA franchise to honor a player with a statue, we celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the future she helped pave for the next generation of athletes. This statue is more than a tribute. It’s a promise that what Sue stands for will keep rising, and young people, especially girls, will always see themselves in greatness.”
The statue honoring WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Sue Bird will be unveiled on Sunday, August 17, at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the press conference and unveiling Bird’s statue, fans are invited to enjoy a free community fan fest beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Bird’s statue was created by Roblatt Amrany Studio sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany. Rotblatt Amrany Studio is the leading artistic team behind some of the most iconic sports statues including Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Dave Niehaus’ statues at T-Mobile Park, Lenny Wilkens’ statue at Climate Pledge Arena and A’ja Wilson’s statue at the University of South Carolina.
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