What Happened to Suzanne Brigit Bird?
Sue Bird is an American former professional basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest in WNBA history, who played her entire career with the Seattle Storm. Since retiring in 2022, she has transitioned into various roles including managing director for USA Basketball's Women's National Team, a WNBA studio analyst for NBC Sports starting in 2026, and a part-owner of both the Seattle Storm and NJ/NY Gotham FC. As of April 2026, she and Megan Rapinoe announced their separation.
Quick Answer
Sue Bird retired from professional basketball after the 2022 WNBA season, concluding an illustrious career with the Seattle Storm. Since then, she has taken on significant roles, including becoming the first managing director for the USA Basketball Women's National Team in 2025 and joining NBC Sports as a WNBA studio analyst for the 2026 season. She is also a part-owner of the Seattle Storm and NJ/NY Gotham FC. Most recently, on April 17, 2026, Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their separation.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Drafted First Overall by Seattle Storm
Sue Bird was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, beginning her professional career.
First WNBA Championship
Bird led the Seattle Storm to their first WNBA championship.
First Olympic Gold Medal
Bird won her first Olympic gold medal with the USA Women's National Team at the Athens Games.
Came Out Publicly
Sue Bird publicly came out as a lesbian, revealing she was dating soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
WNBA All-Time Assists Leader
Bird became the WNBA's all-time leader in assists, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro.
Announced Engagement to Megan Rapinoe
Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their engagement.
Fifth Olympic Gold Medal
Bird won her record fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games (delayed from 2020).
Announced Retirement from WNBA
Bird announced that the 2022 WNBA season would be her final one as a professional player.
Final WNBA Game
Sue Bird played her last professional basketball game as the Seattle Storm were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.
Invested in NJ/NY Gotham FC
Bird became a minority investor in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Seattle Storm Retired Jersey No. 10
The Seattle Storm retired Sue Bird's iconic No. 10 jersey in a ceremony.
Joined Seattle Storm Ownership Group
Bird became a part-owner of the Seattle Storm, transitioning from player to franchise owner.
Named Managing Director for USA Basketball Women's National Team
Bird was appointed the first managing director for the USA Basketball Women's National Team, responsible for future Olympic and World Cup rosters.
Inducted into Hall of Fames
Bird was inducted into both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Inducted into NYC Basketball Hall of Fame
Sue Bird was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame in New York City.
Joined NBC Sports as WNBA Studio Analyst
Bird announced she would join NBC Sports as a studio analyst for the 2026 WNBA season, with coverage beginning in May.
Announced Separation from Megan Rapinoe
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe released a joint statement announcing their separation as a couple and the end of their 'A Touch More' podcast.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Suzanne Brigit Bird, born October 16, 1980, carved out an unparalleled legacy in women's basketball. After a stellar collegiate career at UConn, where she won two NCAA Championships in 2000 and 2002, Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She spent her entire 19-season playing career (21 years associated with the franchise) with the Storm, becoming synonymous with the team's success.
Bird's playing career was marked by numerous accolades, including four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), making her the only WNBA player to win titles in three different decades. On the international stage, she earned a historic five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and four FIBA World Cup gold medals (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018), establishing herself as one of the most decorated basketball players globally. She retired as the WNBA's all-time leader in assists with 3,234, career starts (580), and minutes played (18,080).
Bird officially announced her retirement from professional basketball on June 16, 2022, with the 2022 WNBA season being her last. Her final game was on September 6, 2022, when the Storm were eliminated from the playoffs. In recognition of her immense contributions, the Seattle Storm retired her iconic No. 10 jersey in July 2023. Her post-playing career quickly saw her inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Further cementing her legendary status, she was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame on February 24, 2026, and is slated for induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame on April 21, 2026.
Since retiring, Bird has remained deeply involved in the world of sports. In May 2025, she was appointed the first managing director for the USA Basketball Women's National Team, a pivotal role where she is responsible for selecting the coaching staff and players for major international competitions, including the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Demonstrating her continued commitment to the WNBA, she joined NBC Sports as a studio analyst for the 2026 WNBA season, with her appearances beginning in May 2026. Beyond these roles, Bird has also ventured into sports ownership, becoming a part-owner of the Seattle Storm in April 2024 and a minority investor in the NWSL's NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2022. She is also a co-founder of Togethxr, a media and commerce company focused on women's sports and culture, launched in 2021, and has hosted podcasts like 'Bird's Eye View' and 'A Touch More: The Podcast' with Megan Rapinoe.
In a significant personal development, on April 17, 2026, Sue Bird and her fiancée, soccer star Megan Rapinoe, announced their separation in a joint Instagram statement, also confirming the conclusion of their joint podcast, 'A Touch More'. This marks a new chapter in Bird's life as she continues to shape the future of women's sports through her various leadership, media, and ownership endeavors.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Suzanne Brigit Bird made different choices?