The Seattle Storm will unveil a statue of WNBA legend Sue Bird on August 17th outside of Climate Pledge Arena, according to a team announcement. She will be the first WNBA player ever to be honored with a statue. After having her jersey retired and a street named in her honor, Bird’s statue is another reward for her multitude of accomplishments in the Emerald City.

Following a 21-year career with the Storm, Bird retired after the 2022 season as the All-Time assists leader. She led Seattle to four WNBA Championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. After retiring in 2022, she became a minority owner in the organization.

“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,” said Bird in a statement. “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.”

The statue will be unveiled before the Storm’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, which the team is declaring the “Forever Sue game”. Bird’s statue will join that of another Seattle basketball legend, Lenny Wilkins, who was recognized with his own on May 28th, 2025.

“Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships—it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle,” said Seattle Storm President & CEO Alisha Valavanis in a statement. “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.” Valavanis added.

Bird may be the first player in the league who will have a statue in front of their home arena, but she joins A’ja Wilson (Asia) as another women’s basketball player with a statue. Wilson’s statue stands proudly in front of Colonial Life Arena on the South Carolina campus, where she went to college.

Although her WNBA career is enough to warrant the recognition she’s received, Bird also won five gold medals and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame last month. She also serves as the first managing director of the USA Women’s National team, and will later be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. While her list of accomplishments is reminiscent of her Hall of Fame career, her impact on the Emerald City will remain immeasurable.