Seattle is currently preparing for a ceremony to celebrate one of the most iconic figures in professional basketball and one of the city’s most beloved athletes.
Sue Bird’s statue will be unveiled by the Seattle Storm outside Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday, August 17. According to the Seattle Times, it is the first time a WNBA franchise has dedicated one to a former player.
Fans were able to see Bird previewing the statue alongside sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany through a short video posted on X this week. The video didn’t reveal the entire work, but Bird’s reaction of ‘Looks great’ was both humble and proud.
“She looks great.”
A look at Sue’s first look at her statue 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/RaTUA1Pe2t
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 14, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The official unveiling will take place at 10 a.m. The Seattle Storm will hold a press conference, followed by celebrations throughout the day.
Starting at noon, Seattle will have a free community fan festival that will lead up to the ‘Forever Sue’ game against the Phoenix Mercury at 3 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to reflect on Bird’s historic career and her enduring impact on the sport during the day-long event.
“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,” Bird said in a statement.
A Legendary Career
Bird’s resume is self-explanatory. Across her 21 seasons in the WNBA, all spent in Seattle, she established herself as one of the greatest point guards in the history of the game. She led the Storm to four WNBA championships and became well-known for her poise, vision, and capacity to inspire others around her.
Bird’s dominance on the international stage was equal. Her unmatched consistency and leadership on Team USA led her to win five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA World Championship golds.
She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in June, which further affirmed her place among the sport’s immortals. Bird’s performance transcended the court.
Her voice within the WNBA Players Association carries. She tirelessly advocated for women’s sports, and she helped elevate the visibility of the league globally. Today, she remains active in the game as part of the Seattle Storm ownership group.
Honoring a Transformative Leader
Alisha Valavanis, the President and CEO of the Seattle Storm, expressed her admiration for Bird’s basketball achievements and her wider influence.
“Her leadership transcended basketball,” Valavanis said. “We celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the future she helped pave for the next generation of athletes.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle concurred with those sentiments, calling Bird a “transformative figure” in the city’s history. “Sue is a symbol of what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and heart,” Harrell said.
The statue is a permanent tribute to Bird’s contributions both on and off the court in this city that has welcomed her as one of its own since she was drafted first overall in 2002.
The GOAT in the Eyes of Her Peers
Both her peers and rivals have quickly recognized Bird’s greatness as she continues to receive recognition for her career. Dallas Wings General Manager Curt Miller reflected with deep respect on Bird’s candidacy for the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Sue is the GOAT—without question the best point guard our women’s game has ever seen,” Miller said.
“She could control the game in so many ways: managing tempo, scoring, defending. What I always thought was underrated in her prime was her incredible speed. She was not only an incredible player but also a tremendous ambassador for our sport and for the league.” Miller’s words capture why Bird’s legacy extends beyond statistics. Although her accomplishments are impressive, her leadership, charm, and advocacy for women’s sports redefined the meaning of being an athlete at the highest level.
A Celebration of Legacy
Bird’s statue outside Climate Pledge Arena is a landmark in women’s sports history, and it’s not just a ceremony. For the Storm, Seattle, and the WNBA, it represents a celebration of excellence, leadership, and progress.
When Seattle Storm personnel unveil Bird’s likeness on August 17, fans will see more than just bronze. They will witness a lifetime of greatness, a legacy of trailblazing leadership, and a permanent reminder of one of basketball’s all-time greats.
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