Sue Bird, one of the most iconic figures in women’s basketball history, is stepping into a groundbreaking new role with USA Basketball. At 44 years old, Bird has been named the first-ever managing director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team, a newly created position that solidifies her impact on the game in a whole new way.
Bird’s accomplishments are legendary. With five Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles to her name, she has long been the face of USA Basketball. On top of that, her WNBA career is just as illustrious, having led the Seattle Storm to four championships over her two-decade-long career. Before that, Bird helped guide the UConn Huskies to two NCAA championships, cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
This September, Bird will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, adding another milestone to her already glittering resume. But rather than stepping away from the game she’s loved for so long, Bird is embracing a new leadership role with USA Basketball.
Her responsibilities as managing director will be vast, encompassing player roster and coaching staff decisions for major events like the Olympics and the World Cup. In essence, she will take on the “Grant Hill” role, as the men’s national team has had a managing director since 2005. Hill himself stepped into the role in 2021, setting a precedent for Bird’s appointment.
“I’m excited for the next chapter,” said Bird, reflecting on the natural evolution from player to leader. “I know what it’s like to wear the jersey and stand on the podium as a player. Now, being retired, this feels like the perfect opportunity to continue contributing, to still represent this great country and the gold medal organization.”
Bird’s extensive experience as a player will play a pivotal role in her success as managing director. With a wealth of knowledge and a career full of pivotal moments, Bird is well-prepared to navigate the complex decisions that come with the role. She’s confident in her ability to quickly adapt, noting that her deep understanding of the game will help her transition seamlessly into her new responsibilities.
“I’ve had experiences throughout my career that will serve me well in this role. The understanding of the game I developed as a player will definitely make the learning curve quick,” she added.
Bird’s historic five Olympic gold medals came in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), London (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2016), and Tokyo (2021), marking her as one of the most successful international players in history.
The transition to managing director will come with its own challenges. The women’s national team is preparing for the FIBA World Cup in September 2026, with the first qualification event starting this November. This timeline means Bird will need to make swift, yet thoughtful decisions regarding the roster and coaching staff while managing the inevitable political dynamics that come with such high-stakes choices. Her ability to navigate these challenges will be critical, especially after the drama surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics when Caitlin Clark was controversially left off the roster.
Interestingly, Bird’s announcement comes alongside the debut of her new WNBA-focused podcast, “Bird’s Eye View,” set to launch on May 16. The podcast, hosted by Bird in partnership with Vox Media, will give her an outlet to provide expert analysis on WNBA news and feature conversations with influential figures from the league. The podcast will be available on popular platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Bird’s appointment to the managing director position is a new chapter in a career that has already set many records and left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. As she takes on the task of shaping the future of USA Basketball, fans and players alike are eager to see the impact she will make in this new, influential role.
