A Monumental Moment: Sue Bird Becomes the First WNBA Player to Be Honored with a Statue

Written By RSIR Digital Team

In a groundbreaking tribute that transcends boundaries and sets a new precedent in sports, Sue Bird has become the first WNBA player to be immortalized with a statue outside her team’s arena.

““There’s just not a lot of women that are honored in this way… I’m really proud to be the first WNBA player.””
— Sue Bird (CT Insider)

Honoring a Legend

On August 17–18, 2025, the Seattle Storm unveiled a striking bronze statue of Sue Bird outside the Climate Pledge Arena, marking a historic moment for women’s sports. Crafted by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, the 8-foot, 650-pound figure captures Bird in her signature layup motion—symbolically referencing both her first and final WNBA baskets with the Storm.(The UConn Blog)

The unveiling coincided with a celebratory event dubbed "Forever Sue", featuring fan festivities ahead of the Storm’s home game against the Phoenix Mercury. Additionally, the city designated "Sue Bird Day," and installed visible tributes, including a commemorative flag at the Space Needle and green lighting on the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge.(CT Insider)

Seattle’s Sporting Pantheon Welcomes a New Icon

Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird makes history as the first WNBA player honored with a statue at Climate Pledge Arena. Standing alongside icons like Lenny Wilkens, Ken Griffey Jr., and Edgar Martinez, the bronze tribute celebrates her 21-year career, championships, and lasting impact on women’s sports. .(NBC Connecticut)

A Career of Unmatched Achievement

Sue Bird’s accolades are nothing short of extraordinary:

  • 21-season career entirely with the Seattle Storm, culminating in four WNBA championships and 13 All-Star selections(CT Insider)

  • Seattle’s all-time leading scorer (6,803 points) and the WNBA’s all-time assists leader (3,234 assists)(CT Insider)

  • Multiple hall of fame honors: already inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and scheduled for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2025(CT Insider)

Lasting Impact Beyond the Court

This statue is more than a tribute to Bird’s basketball dominance—it’s a beacon of progress for women's sports. It reinforces Seattle as a city that not only supports but elevates female athletes to the same honored status traditionally reserved for male counterparts.

Bird’s influence extends off the court too. She serves as a co-owner of the Storm, is the first managing director of the U.S. Women’s National Team, co-founded the media platform Togethxr, and continues to champion LGBTQ+ rights and women’s representation in sports.(CT Insider)

Join the Conversation

As Sue Bird’s statue takes its place among Seattle’s revered icons, it challenges us all to reimagine how we celebrate trailblazers, especially those in women’s sports. Her legacy, now etched in bronze, is a reminder that progress begins with visibility.

Sources

RSIR Digital Team
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STATUE UNVEILING: Lenny Wilkens Honored at Climate Pledge Arena