Sue Bird Joins Storm Ownership Group
The Seattle Storm legend is now an owner of the team she played for.
On Wednesday, April 24th, the Seattle Storm formally announced that legendary point guard, Sue Bird, is now joining the Force 10 ownership group as the newest part-owner of the Seattle Storm franchise.
Bird played for Seattle between 2002-2022. She retired as the All-Time franchise leader in points, assists, games played, steals, three-pointers made, etc. She was the face of the franchise for three separate decades, winning four WNBA Championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020.
From the Seattle Storm Press Release, Bird had this to say.
“As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game,” said Bird. “Investing in women's sports isn't just about passion; it's smart business. It's about recognizing the immense talent, dedication, and market potential our league has always had. Force 10 Hoops and the Storm have been at the forefront of this for decades. Together, we're not just shaping the future of basketball, but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society."
Bird has already dabbled in sports ownership purchasing a piece of the NWSL Gotham FC in her home state of New York. Sue is also one of the founding members of the media company Togethxr. And a production company with her partner Megan Rapinoe, called A Touch More.
She has also previously expressed interest in being part of an ownership group if and when the SuperSonics and the NBA make their return to the city of Seattle.
The WNBA is on the verge of a major boom in professional American sports. Teams with smaller arenas are selling out of season tickets ahead of the upcoming 2024 WNBA season. There is more interest in the league than ever before with the incredible play and product teams are putting out there, with stars like A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionesco. Along with new college stars entering the league this season like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Bird pushed for continued growth throughout the league during her playing days and will no doubt continue to do so as part-owner of one of the premiere franchises in the WNBA.
One of the Storm’s primary owners, Lisa Brummel, is encouraged to be working with Bird in this new capacity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sue into the ownership group after a storied career on the court,” said Seattle Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel. “Her knowledge of the game and the league, her ever-expanding business acumen, and her dedication to the Storm organization, make her a superb addition to the ownership group.”
The franchise just opened up their brand new $64 Million Center for Basketball Performance which will be the permanent home and practice facility for the team moving forward. Training camp begins this upcoming weekend and the team’s first preseason game will be on May 4th in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Before opening the season against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00 PM at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.