Sue Bird Joins Storm Ownership Group; 4-Time WNBA Champ Played 19 Seasons with Team

WNBA legend Sue Bird is joining the Seattle Storm's ownership group, Force 10 Hoops.

Bird spent her entire 19-year career with the Storm and helped the franchise win four titles.

"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," she said in Wednesday's announcement.

"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 is the most iconic figure in the Storm's history and one of two players along with Lauren Jackson to have her jersey retired by the organization.

One presumed she'd return in an official capacity in some form when the moment arrived, whether it was coaching, working in the front office, or claiming a minority ownership stake.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sue into the ownership group after a storied career on the court," said 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."

For Bird, the timing couldn't have been any better.

Women's basketball as a whole is riding the crest of a wave. The momentum has been building for years, but the recent explosion in popularity is owed in large part to Caitlin Clark. Her arrival in the WNBA should be a boon for the league.

As that's happening, the WNBA is also inching toward the expiration of its current media rights deal. The next television contract may lead the league's revenues to soar, which would in turn raise the valuations for each of its 13 franchises.

The Storm set their own valuation at a WNBA-record $151 million in February 2023 as part of their efforts to finance a new training facility that opened earlier this month.

Re-joining the Storm as a team owner obviously carried a strong emotional pull for Bird. Beyond that, it's a savvy financial move that could turn a sizable profit in the event she ever cashes in on her stake.