History of Sue Bird in Timeline
Sue Bird, born Suzanne Brigit Bird, is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002, she spent her entire WNBA career with the team, securing championships across three different decades. Beyond her WNBA achievements, Bird also held a role in the Denver Nuggets' front office. Bird has been inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2025), the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2025), the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame (2026), and the FIBA Hall of Fame (2026).
October 16, 1980: Suzanne Brigit Bird's Birth
On October 16, 1980, Suzanne Brigit Bird, later known as Sue Bird, was born. She went on to become a professional basketball player.
1998: University Recruitment
In 1998, Sue Bird was recruited by several university teams, including UConn, Stanford, and Vanderbilt.
1999: Torn ACL
During the 1998-1999 season, Sue Bird suffered a torn ACL eight games into her freshman season at UConn.
2000: Gold Medal at Jones Cup
In 2000, Sue Bird competed with USA Basketball as a member of the Jones Cup Team in Taipei, Taiwan. She started all four games, leading the team with 17 assists and helping them win the gold medal.
2000: Nancy Lieberman Award
In 2000, Sue Bird was the first winner of the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the top point guard in the nation.
2000: NCAA Championship
In 2000, Sue Bird won an NCAA Championship with UConn, beginning her streak of success.
2000: NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament Championship
In the 1999-2000 season, Sue Bird led her UConn team to a 36-1 record, the Big East Championship, and the championship at the 2000 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament.
2001: Nancy Lieberman Award
In 2001, Sue Bird won the Nancy Lieberman Award again, recognizing her as the top point guard in the nation for the second consecutive year.
2001: Final Four Loss
In the 2000-2001 season, the Huskies went 32-3, with the final loss coming against UConn's Big East rival Notre Dame in the Final Four.
2002: NCAA Championship
In 2002, Sue Bird secured her second NCAA Championship with UConn, further highlighting her college basketball success.
2002: Drafted to Seattle Storm
In 2002, Sue Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in the WNBA draft, marking the start of her professional basketball career.
2002: Nancy Lieberman Award
In 2002, Sue Bird won the Nancy Lieberman Award for the third time, solidifying her status as the top point guard in the nation.
2002: College Player of the Year
In 2002, Sue Bird's senior year, she won the Wade Trophy and the Naismith Award as College Player of the Year while playing on the undefeated University of Connecticut team.
2003: Named to Olympic Basketball Team
In 2003, Sue Bird was named to the United States 2004 Women's Olympic Basketball Team's roster.
2004: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2004, Sue Bird and the USA team won the gold at the Olympic games in Athens, Greece.
2004: WNBA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal
In 2004, Sue Bird won a WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm and also secured an Olympic gold medal, marking a significant year in her career.
2004: WNBA Championship with the Seattle Storm
In 2004, Sue Bird, along with Betty Lennox and Lauren Jackson, led the Seattle Storm to its first WNBA Championship, marking a significant achievement in her career. With the win, Sue became one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, Fiba World Cup gold, and a WNBA Championship.
2005: UConn Career Rankings
As of 2005, Sue Bird held high rankings in various statistical categories at UConn, including No. 24 on the 1,000-point list, No. 2 in assists, and seventh in steals, highlighting her impact on the program.
September 2006: World Championship Bronze Medal
In September 2006, Sue Bird was invited back to the National team for the World Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The USA team won eight of nine games, falling to Russia in the medal round and earning the bronze medal. Bird led the team with 41 assists and tied for accuracy leadership with three-point attempts.
2006: Induction to "Huskies of Honor"
In 2006, Sue Bird was a member of the inaugural class of inductees to the University of Connecticut women's basketball "Huskies of Honor" recognition program.
2006: Russian Super League and EuroLeague Women championships
In 2006, during the WNBA off-season, Sue Bird joined Storm teammate Lauren Jackson and UConn stars Diana Taurasi and Svetlana Abrosimova on the Russian team Sparta&K to win both the Russian Super League and the EuroLeague Women championships.
2007: EuroLeague Women Champion
In 2007, Sue Bird won a EuroLeague Women champion, contributing to her record.
2008: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Sue Bird won an Olympic gold medal, contributing to her impressive collection of accolades.
2009: USA Basketball Training Camp
In the fall of 2009, Sue Bird was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp for the 2010 World Championship.
July 10, 2010: WNBA All-Star Game
On July 10, 2010, Sue Bird competed with the National team in the WNBA-sponsored All-Star game, which pitted the USA National team against the "best-of-the-best" WNBA All-Stars. Team USA won the exhibition game 99–72.
October 2010: FIBA World Championships
In October 2010, Sue Bird competed in the FIBA World Championships in the Czech Republic.
2010: WNBA Championship
In 2010, Sue Bird secured another WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm, adding to her list of career achievements.
2010: USA Basketball Training Camp
In 2010, Sue Bird was part of the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp for the 2010 World Championship.
2010: WNBA Finals Appearance
In 2010, the Storm would advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
2011: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
In 2011, Sue Bird started playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian League, adding three more consecutive championships in the Russian league.
2011: WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time
In 2011, Sue Bird was voted as one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time by fans, recognizing her significant contributions to the league.
2012: Knee Problems
During the 2012 WNBA season, Sue Bird experienced knee problems, though she still played 29 games throughout the regular season and the playoffs.
2012: Fifth Straight Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Sue Bird competed for the U.S. in the Summer Olympics. The Americans won their fifth straight gold medal.
2012: USA Basketball Training Camp
In 2012, Sue Bird was part of the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp for the 2012 Olympics.
2012: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Sue Bird won another Olympic gold medal, adding to her already impressive career achievements.
2013: Knee Surgery
In 2013, Sue Bird had knee surgery, which prevented her from playing the entire season.
2013: EuroLeague Women Champion
In 2013, Sue Bird won a EuroLeague Women champion, contributing to her record.
2014: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal
In 2014, Sue Bird played for Team USA during the FIBA World Championship for Women, in which they defeated Spain 77–64 to win the gold medal.
2014: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
In 2014, Sue Bird played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian League, adding three more consecutive championships in the Russian league.
2014: Return to WNBA and All-Star Selection
In 2014, Sue Bird returned to the WNBA, played 33 games, averaged 10.6 ppg and 4.0 apg, and was voted as a WNBA all-star.
2014: FIBA World Cup
In 2014, Sue Bird won a FIBA World Cup, contributing to her record.
February 16, 2016: Re-signing with the Seattle Storm
On February 16, 2016, Sue Bird re-signed with the Seattle Storm to a multi-year deal in free agency, continuing her long-standing relationship with the team.
2016: Met Megan Rapinoe at the 2016 Rio Olympics
In 2016, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
2016: Sixth Straight Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Sue Bird competed for Team USA in the Summer Olympics, helping the team win its sixth straight gold medal. In the gold medal game, they beat Spain 101–72. This was Bird's fourth Olympic title.
2016: All-WNBA First Team Selection and Playoff Appearance
In 2016, Sue Bird had a resurgence, putting up her best numbers since returning from knee surgery and being named to the All-WNBA First Team. The Storm made it back to the playoffs with a 16–18 record.
2016: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Sue Bird won an Olympic gold medal, marking another significant achievement in her career.
April 2017: Left Knee Surgery
In April 2017, Sue Bird underwent left knee surgery, causing her to miss training camp.
May 21, 2017: Season Debut
On May 21, 2017, Sue Bird returned following her recovery and made her season debut, becoming both the oldest active player and starter in the WNBA. She scored 9 points and 10 assists in a victory over the Washington Mystics.
June 11, 2017: Season-High Performance
On June 11, 2017, Sue Bird scored a season-high 21 points and 10 assists in a loss to the New York Liberty.
July 20, 2017: Publicly Came Out as Lesbian
On July 20, 2017, Sue Bird publicly came out as a lesbian, revealing her relationship with soccer player Megan Rapinoe, after they met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
September 1, 2017: WNBA All-Time Leader in Assists
On September 1, 2017, Sue Bird became the WNBA all-time leader in assists with a career total of 2,600 assists.
July 8, 2018: Storm's All-Time Leading Scorer
On July 8, 2018, Sue Bird became the Seattle Storm's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Lauren Jackson's record with 6,007 points.
July 19, 2018: All-Star Appearances Record
On July 19, 2018, Sue Bird was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, breaking the record for most all-star appearances, surpassing Tamika Catchings.
July 22, 2018: Most WNBA Regular-Season Games Played
On July 22, 2018, Sue Bird broke the record for the most WNBA regular-season games played, surpassing Delisha Milton-Jones by playing her 500th game against the Atlanta Dream.
August 2018: Vice President of WNBA Players Union
In August 2018, Sue Bird became vice president of the WNBA players union, taking on a leadership role in advocating for players' rights and interests.
2018: Cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue"
In 2018, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe became the first same-sex couple on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue".
2018: FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Gold Medal
In 2018, Sue Bird qualified for Team USA during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup held in Spain. USA defeated Australia 73–56 to win the gold medal. By winning the gold medal, Bird became the only player in history, male or female, to win four World Cup gold medals. Bird finished the final with five assists, bringing her career total to 107 assists in the FIBA World Cup, making her the leader for the U.S. with the most assists at the World Cup.
2018: WNBA Championship
In 2018, Sue Bird won her third WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm, further solidifying her legacy in the league.
May 2019: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
In May 2019, Sue Bird needed arthroscopic surgery on her left knee and missed the remainder of the 2019 season as she recovered.
October 30, 2020: Engagement Announcement
On October 30, 2020, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their engagement.
2020: Navigating WNBA During COVID-19 Pandemic
During her term as vice president, Sue Bird was part of the leadership that navigated the WNBA during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring player safety and prioritizing activism.
2020: Co-hosted the ESPYs
In 2020, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe were the first LGBTQ+ couple to co-host the ESPYs.
2020: Fourth WNBA Championship
In 2020, Sue Bird returned to play, though limited to 11 regular season games due to the pandemic-delayed and shortened season at the IMG Academy. Despite re-aggravating her knee, the Storm finished 18-4 and secured the number 2 seed. They swept the Minnesota Lynx in the semi-finals and defeated the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals, winning Bird's fourth WNBA championship, making her the first WNBA player to win championships in three different decades.
2020: WNBA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal
In 2020, Sue Bird won her fourth WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm and also secured an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games, continuing her streak of success.
2020: The Games were delayed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020, the Games were delayed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2021: Re-signing with the Storm and surpassing Katie Smith's scoring record
In July 2021, Sue Bird re-signed with the Storm for her 18th season, surpassing Milton-Jones for most seasons played in the WNBA. During a game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Bird passed Katie Smith's 6452 career points on the WNBA career scoring list, finishing the game with 6490 points. She was also honored in The W25 list, which recognized the 25 greatest and most influential players in WNBA history.
July 23, 2021: Flag Bearer at Tokyo Olympics
On July 23, 2021, Sue Bird carried the U.S. flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Bird and baseball player Eddy Alvarez were selected by fellow athletes to be the flag bearers, which she described as "mind-blowing".
2021: The W25 Selection
In 2021, Sue Bird was voted into The W25 as one of the league's top 25 players of all time, further recognizing her impact on the WNBA.
June 16, 2022: Retirement Announcement
On June 16, 2022, Sue Bird announced her retirement from the WNBA following the 2022 season.
2022: Sue Bird's Retirement
From her 2002 rookie season to her retirement in 2022, Sue Bird made a record 13 appearances playing in the Western Conference All-Star team, showcasing her longevity and consistent performance in the WNBA.
2022: Part-Owner of NJ/NY Gotham FC
In 2022, Sue Bird became a part-owner of National Women's Soccer League franchise NJ/NY Gotham FC and an advisor to the league.
2022: Retirement from Professional Basketball
In 2022, Sue Bird retired from playing professional basketball, marking the end of her illustrious WNBA career.
2022: Inclusion in Queer 50 List
In 2022, Sue Bird was included in the Queer 50 list.
July 23, 2023: Seattle Storm Jersey Retirement
On July 23, 2023, Sue Bird's number 10 jersey was retired by the Seattle Storm in a ceremony at Climate Pledge Arena with team owners and former teammates Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson in attendance.
July 16, 2024: Sue Bird Barbie Announced
On July 16, 2024, Mattel announced a Sue Bird Barbie doll as part of their 65th anniversary of the Barbie doll.
2024: Sue Bird's WNBA Record
As of 2024, Sue Bird is the only WNBA player to have won championships in three different decades, underscoring her longevity and sustained success in the league.
May 8, 2025: Named Managing Director for USA National Women's Team
On May 8, 2025, Sue Bird was announced as the 1st managing director for the USA national women's team. She will be in charge of picking the coaching staff for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
2025: Induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2025, Sue Bird was inducted into both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as one of basketball's greats.
February 24, 2026: Induction into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame
On February 24, 2026, Sue Bird was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame, further recognizing her contributions to the sport.
April 2026: Separation Announcement
In April 2026, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their separation after 10 years together as a couple.
2026: Sue Bird will be in charge of picking the coaching staff for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup
In 2026, Sue Bird will be in charge of picking the coaching staff for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.
2028: Sue Bird will be in charge of picking the coaching staff for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In 2028, Sue Bird will be in charge of picking the coaching staff for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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