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Sue Bird will be immortalized with statue as Storm celebrate legendary career

The Storm will be the first franchise in the WNBA to dedicate a statue to a former player.
Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Fans chant "Thank you Sue" after Las Vegas Aces eliminates Seattle Storm and guard Sue Bird in Game 4 of the semifinals on Sept. 6, 2022, in Seattle.

SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm announced Wednesday it will unveil a statue for franchise legend Sue Bird next month. 

In a release, the organization said Bird's statue will be displayed Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. The Storm will be the first franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to dedicate a statue to a former player. 

Bird was drafted No. 1 overall by the Storm and spent all 21 seasons of her career in Seattle winning four WNBA Championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). She made the All-Star team 13 times and dished out the most assists in league history. Bird also won five Gold medals for the United States' women's national team and added four FIBA World Cup gold medals to her long list of career achievements. 

The team retired her number in 2023 following her retirement. She will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.

After a press conference unveiling the statue, fans are invited for a free community event Aug. 17 at noon. The festivities are leading up to the "Forever Sue" between the Storm and Phoenix Mercury game at 3 p.m. 

Julie Rotblatt-Amrany created the statue for the franchise legend, according to a release. The Rotblatt Amrany Studio helped design statues for other Seattle sports icons like Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Dave Niehaus and Lenny Wilkens, whose statue was recently unveiled

“For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court," Bird said in a release. "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.” 

Last year, Bird joined the Storm ownership group as she continues to be an ambassador for the growth of the women's game.

“Today, as the first WNBA franchise to honor a player with a statue, we celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the standard of excellence and future she helped shape for the next generation of athletes, leaders and advocates," said Alisha Valavanis, Seattle Storm president & CEO. "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 Storm said in a release the first 7,500 fans attending the Aug. 17 game will receive an original drawing of a classic Bird game-action photo created by local Seattle artist Keegan Hall. Doors will open at the Climate Pledge Arena 90 minutes before tipoff at 1:30 p.m.

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