Sue Bird, the former WNBA player, has become a part-owner of the Seattle Storm, the only WNBA franchise she ever played for. This move adds to Bird’s already busy agenda in retirement, which includes owning a production company called “A Touch More” with her fiancée Megan Rapinoe, and a media and commerce company called “TOGETHXR” with Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, and Simone Manuel. She is also a part-owner of Gotham FC in the NWSL. Bird’s involvement in the ownership group for the Storm was seen as inevitable and something she always wanted, according to her.
Lisa Brummel, a fellow Storm co-owner, mentioned that Bird had a lot of things to do during the past year, and becoming a part-owner of the franchise allowed her to bring her joint interests together. Bird, who was the No. 1 overall pick by Seattle in the 2002 WNBA draft and played 19 seasons for the franchise, retired after the 2022 season as the league’s career assists leader with 3,234. She was part of four WNBA championships with the Storm and had also been involved in the business aspects of the league as a player, serving on the executive board of the players association during her career.
Bird’s experience and acumen from her playing days can now be beneficial on the ownership side. She expressed excitement about understanding the business side of things and bringing value to the team as an owner. While she is not sure how active of an owner she will be, Bird mentioned her passion for women’s sports and her desire to push it forward as her main agenda. She emphasized her belief in women’s sports and her willingness to contribute to its growth and development.
As a passionate advocate for women’s sports, Bird’s ownership in the Storm signifies her commitment to supporting and advancing the opportunities for female athletes. Her multipronged approach in the sports business world, including her involvement in production and media companies, showcases her dedication to promoting and elevating women’s sports on various platforms. Bird’s transition from player to owner reflects a natural progression in her career, allowing her to continue making an impact on the sports industry and empowering the next generation of female athletes.
In a statement, Bird highlighted her desire to contribute to the continued growth and success of women’s sports, emphasizing her belief in its value and importance. Her involvement in various ventures within the sports industry demonstrates her commitment to creating opportunities and representation for women in sports. As an influential figure in the sports world, Bird’s ownership in the Seattle Storm solidifies her position as a leader and advocate for women’s athletics, paving the way for positive change and progress in the industry.
Overall, Sue Bird’s ownership in the Seattle Storm represents a significant step in her post-playing career, allowing her to continue her impact on women’s sports and contribute to the growth and success of female athletes. Her multifaceted approach to the sports business world showcases her commitment to promoting women’s sports and providing opportunities for female athletes to thrive. Bird’s transition from player to owner signifies a natural progression in her career, reflecting her dedication to empowering and advancing women in the sports industry.
