Seattle Storm Re-Signs Three-Time WNBA Champion Sue Bird


The WNBA’s all-time assists leader will continue her illustrious career in the Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm has re-signed three-time WNBA Champion Sue Bird, the franchise announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The thing about Sue Bird is that she elevates everything she touches to a championship level,” said Storm CEO and General Manager Alisha Valavanis. “Whether it is leading the Storm, USA Basketball or her fearless pursuit of equality – Sue expects greatness from herself and others. This is exactly why she is an icon not just for Seattle but for the country, and we are thrilled to have her lead us again.”

The franchise leader in points, assists, field goals and steals, Bird has spent her entire 18-year WNBA career with the Storm.

“It’s no secret how I feel about the city of Seattle and the Storm franchise. I’m a lifer and to be able to re-sign is extremely exciting,” said Bird. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the court with my teammates, and playing in front of our amazing fans.”

A member of each of Seattle’s three WNBA Championship teams, Bird has also earned four Olympic gold medals, four FIBA World Cup gold medals and one bronze as a member of the USA Women’s National Team.

On July 22, 2018, Bird appeared in her 500th WNBA game, passing Delisha Milton-Jones for the most games played in WNBA history. The 11-time All-Star selection has started all 508 career outings. The league’s all-time leader assists and minutes, she also ranks eighth in points (6,154), ninth in made field goals (2,247), third in made 3-point field goals (852) and fifth in steals (652).

In her last three active seasons (2016-18), Bird has tallied more assists (616) than she did in her first three years in the league (596). In the Storm’s 2018 WNBA title-winning season, she averaged a career-best 7.1 assists per game, good for second in the WNBA. Bird battled through a broken nose in Game 5 of the semifinals and scored 14 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter to deliver Seattle its third WNBA Finals berth.

Following the 2018 regular season, Bird was awarded the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship award, which is presented each season to a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court, including ethical behavior, fair play and integrity. Bird was previously recognized with the award in 2017 and shared the accolade with Ruth Riley in 2011.

A Syosset, New York native and two-time NCAA champion at Connecticut, Bird was selected by the Storm with the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. As a rookie, she won her first of five All-WNBA First Team selections.

Seattle’s most decorated professional franchise begins its quest to reclaim the WNBA title on May 15 at the University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena. Be a part of the 2020 season with a Storm 360 Membership, mini-plan or group experience. Secure the best seats and deepest ticket saving while enjoying exclusive member benefits – including playoff priority – and be a part of the best home court advantage by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622).

Continue Reading