When the Seattle Storm retired Sue Bird’s jersey in June 2023, it didn’t come as a surprise. Bird had worked hard for 19 straight seasons to take the Storm to four WNBA Championship titles. So, when Bird’s contribution to building the Storm was acknowledged, it only was a fair ending to her illustrious career. But, that was not all. Instead, the city of Seattle renamed a street in her honor on Tuesday which was an extremely special moment for Bird. However, what came as a surprise was Bird’s reason behind what made the moment a standout.

Bird was present at the honor function and expressed her happiness on the same. A street in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood has been renamed after Bird. “This honor for the city to recognize me in this way, it makes it such an honor. It’s so special because of all those memories. And I think, you know, a lot of times in sports you talk about records, you know, are made to be broken. And, and that is true. 100%. When I think back on my time, I think about the people I have met. I think about the memories we made. I think about the impact our franchises had off the court. And obviously, I think about the championships we won on it. Something about those achievements, they don’t come and go, they don’t get broken, they last forever. That’s what makes the day so special,” Bird stated.

The announcement of the same was made in a ceremony on Monday by Mayor Bruce Harrell. As per the declaration, a section of Thomas Street that runs north and south on the southeast end of the arena will be changed to Sue Bird Court. And Bird rightly deserves it. Bird was the first overall pick in the 2002 draft and occupies the top position in assists (3,234) and games played (580) in the WNBA’s history.

This only goes to show the facilitator Bird was and how it would have been difficult for the Storm to clinch 4 WNBA titles if she wasn’t there. The 43-year-old also is the leader in points (6,803) and steals (724) in the franchise’s history. However, this is not the only honor for Bird this year.

Sue Bird joins Seattle ownership group

Previously, the Seattle Storm’s ownership group- the Force 10 Hoops- had announced that in April Bird had joined their group. The Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel had announced that Bird’s “business acumen” coupled with her knowledge of the league and game made her the right person to be added to the ownership group. And they hoped to benefit from her skills.

Bird, at that time, had opined that it would help grow the game and she would utilize her experience in taking women’s sports to the next level. For her, “investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion; it’s smart business.” Hence, as per Storm’s official website, after signing with the Storm, Bird aimed to make it a more “equitable and inclusive society.” 

And now, Bird getting a street named after her only adds to her charm. Hopefully, together with Seattle, she will help the city and the league grow. As for fans, they wouldn’t mind clicking a snap whenever they are on her street.