Caitlin Clark acknowledges her absence impacts WNBA ratings, discussing her sense of responsibility and efforts to connect with fans despite injuries, amid a dip in viewership when she is sidelined.
The Seattle Storm will unveil a statue of WNBA legend Sue Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena on August 17, celebrating her illustrious 21-season career, leadership, and impact on women's sports, making the Storm the first WNBA franchise to dedicate a statue to a former player.
Sue Bird empathizes with Caitlin Clark's early struggles in the WNBA, drawing parallels to her own career start. Bird, now a part-owner of the Seattle Storm, believes that upcoming changes in media rights and collective bargaining agreements will significantly improve the WNBA landscape, including better salaries and more teams. Bird also highlights the positive impact of NIL deals and the potential for a WNBA G League, while enjoying her post-basketball career and focusing on elevating underrepresented voices through her production company.
WNBA legend Sue Bird believes Iowa's Caitlin Clark's long-distance shooting ability will lead to early success in the league, potentially even earning her an All-Star spot in her first year. Bird also discussed the possibility of Clark joining the WNBA and highlighted the attention around her as a result of the evolution of women's sports, particularly basketball. Whether Clark stays at Iowa or moves to the WNBA, all eyes will be on her, and Bird sees her as uniquely positioned to take advantage of the current moment in women's basketball.
WNBA legend Sue Bird believes that Iowa star Caitlin Clark has the potential to be a WNBA All-Star in her rookie year, citing her long-distance shooting as a key strength. Bird also emphasized that the current era of play complements Clark's style and encouraged her to go pro if she were in her position. Clark's captivating play and the current momentum of women's basketball were also highlighted as factors contributing to her potential success at the professional level.
Sue Bird, the retired U.S. basketball player, has been named the global ambassador for the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup. Bird, a nine-time major international gold medalist, takes over the role from Pau Gasol. The women's tournament will expand to 16 teams in 2026, and FIBA aims to promote and grow the women's game on all levels. Bird's appointment is seen as a significant step in elevating women's basketball and inspiring young girls to dream big.
Megan Rapinoe's partner, Sue Bird, and her U.S. Women's National teammates, Christen Press and Tobin Heath, praised the soccer star at the ESPY Awards following her announcement of retirement. Bird joked about Rapinoe's "retirement F.O.M.O" and highlighted her impact off the field. The couple plans to focus on their production company, A Touch More, and tell untold stories. Press and Heath also expressed admiration for Rapinoe's leadership and her ongoing fight for equal pay. The U.S. Women's National soccer team is being honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPY Awards.
Megan Rapinoe praised Sue Bird's career as "arguably the best" during her jersey retirement ceremony, sparking a debate on Twitter among basketball fans. While Bird is headed for the Basketball Hall of Fame, some fans disagreed with Rapinoe's statement. Bird spent 20 years in the WNBA, winning four championships and five Olympic gold medals. Rapinoe and Bird have been together since 2017 and got engaged in October 2020.