WNBA legend Sue Bird, who spent 19 seasons with the Seattle Storm, has joined the team’s ownership group, Force 10 Hoops. The announcement was made by the team on Wednesday, although no financial details of the transaction were disclosed.
Bird, who retired after the 2022 season as the league’s all-time assists leader, said in a team statement that her involvement with the Storm will continue to promote the growth of the game.
“Investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion,” Bird said. “It’s smart business.”
During Bird’s nearly two decades as a player, the Storm enjoyed considerable success. She was the No. 1 overall pick by Seattle in the 2002 WNBA draft and played 19 seasons. She was part of WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020.
Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel praised Bird’s knowledge of the game and the league, as well as her business acumen, stating that these qualities “make her a superb addition” to the ownership group.
The ownership group recently opened the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance, a new $64 million practice facility. Bird’s addition to the ownership group is expected to further contribute to the Storm’s ongoing success on and off the court.
