In a full-court press into sports management, Sue Bird, the WNBA legend has joined the ownership group of the Seattle Storm, the very franchise she led to four championship titles as a point guard. As KIRO 7 reported, Bird, who hung up her sneakers in 2022 after a 20-year run with the Storm, is looking to make an impact on the other side of the game. "As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game," Bird stated.
And it's not just rah-rah from the sidelines for the basketball icon, as, Lisa Brummel, co-owner of the Storm, underscored Bird's qualities that go beyond the court. In a statement obtained by The Athletic, Brummel heralded Bird's "knowledge of the game and the league, her ever-expanding business acumen, and her dedication to the Storm organization," as making her an ideal fit for the ownership team. Bird isn't new to the business side of sports either. In 2022, she became a minority investor in NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The induction of Bird into the Storm's executive ranks aligns with a broader trend of WNBA veterans stepping into leadership roles post-retirement. Bird's business savvy and commitment to the sport add a new layer to a team that's been leading the pack - The Storm was valued at a record-setting $151 million before the 2023 season, projecting the league's highest valuation to date as reported by The Athletic.
Off the back of a revealing a glitzy $64 million practice facility, Seattle is not only upping its infrastructure but also its roster. Attracting big names like six-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith and former league MVP Nneka Ogwumike, the team is showing it plays for keeps. Furthermore, the addition of promising UCONN alum Nika Muhl, likened to Bird herself, fans are eager for the season opener on May 14. "Investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion; it’s smart business," Bird told KING 5, doubling down on her belief in the league’s burgeoning potential.
