What makes Sue Bird’s statue historic? State honors Seattle Storm legend with first-ever WNBA monument at Climate Pledge Arena

On Sunday, Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird was honored by the city as her official statue was unveiled at Climate Pledge Arena. The icon is the first WNBA player to receive a statue. She played with the team from 2002 to 2022.

She and her team made it to the WNBA Championships four times and won five gold medals at the Olympics. Meanwhile, Sue Bird attended the occasion with her fiancée, soccer player Megan Rapinoe.

She counted down as her monument was shown and the curtain fell.

Seattle declares August 17 “Sue Bird Day” as Storm icon honored with statue and citywide celebrations

Due to her lengthy and illustrious career with the Seattle Storm, basketball star Sue Bird was honored on Sunday with a statue outside Climate Pledge Arena. During the ceremony, prominent Seattle Storm players also honored Sue Bird's accomplishments and legacy with the team and the community of Seattle.

On Sunday morning, the Space Needle raised the “Sue Bird” flag in honor of Mayor Bruce Harrell, who was also present.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, the statue's unveiling ceremony started. Mayor Harrell also declared August 17, 2025, as “Sue Bird Day” in Seattle. During a press conference with the Seattle Storm, the decorated player discussed her career and the significance of the statue.Following the statue's unveiling, Sue Bird stated: "I'm the first player to ever have a statue built, and that fact both humbles me and fills me with pride… People keep asking me what it feels like to be the first, and the truth is I never set out to the be first at anything, but if being the first means that I won't be the last, if this statue means that 20 years from now there will statues of other WNBA greats...

then I'm proud to be the first."

She continued: "For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court... 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..." Moreover, according to the Seattle Storm, BECU will also provide an original drawing of a vintage Sue Bird game-action shot made by local Seattle artist Keegan Hall. It will be presented to the first 7,500 spectators. Also read: Sue Bird to become first WNBA player honored with statue as Seattle Storm set to unveil in August