When did Sue Bird retire? That question, you know, really marks a moment in sports history, especially for basketball fans. It's about a legend, someone who played the game with such grace and skill for so long. Her departure from the court wasn't just another player stepping away; it was, in a way, the end of an era for many who followed the WNBA.

For over two decades, Sue Bird graced the hardwood, playing her entire professional career with the Seattle Storm. She became, you know, a true symbol of dedication and excellence in women's basketball. Her journey, from being the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft to becoming one of the sport's all-time greats, is pretty remarkable.

So, exactly when did this incredible athlete, a future Hall of Famer, play her last game? Her retirement was, as a matter of fact, a planned event, announced well in advance, giving fans a chance to celebrate her final season. It was a time for reflection on her many achievements and the lasting mark she left on the game.

Table of Contents

• Sue Bird: A Basketball Biography
• The Announcement and Final Season
• Sue Bird's Last Game
• A Legacy Beyond the Court
• Honoring a Legend
• Frequently Asked Questions About Sue Bird's Retirement

Sue Bird: A Basketball Biography

Suzanne Brigit Bird, born on October 16, 1980, is an American former professional basketball player. She spent her entire, very long career with the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association, which is quite rare in professional sports. Bird, you know, was picked first overall by the Storm in the 2002 WNBA draft. She's widely thought of as one of the very greatest players in WNBA history.

As of 2024, Bird holds a special place in the league's records. She's the only WNBA player to achieve a particular distinction with titles, which really speaks to her consistent excellence. Her time on the court, more or less, spanned 21 years in the WNBA, all of them with the Seattle Storm. During her tenure, she helped the team win championships in 2004 and 2010, among others, solidifying her status as a true winner.

Personal Details and Bio Data

The Announcement and Final Season

The decision to retire, you know, isn't an easy one for any athlete, especially after such a long and distinguished career. Sue Bird made her decision to retire in June 2022. This announcement set the stage for her final season, allowing fans and the league alike to celebrate her incredible journey. It was a time for reflection, certainly, on her impact on the sport.

When she announced her retirement in June, Bird, quite simply, expressed her anticipation for things that basketball seasons typically keep a player from. She pointed out, for instance, that she wouldn't have to set an alarm anymore, which, you know, is a small but significant freedom after years of strict schedules. This little detail really gave a personal touch to her big announcement.

She had, in fact, pondered her future for a while. After months of deliberation, Bird decided she would return for the 2021 season. Then, looking ahead to 2022, fans wondered what to expect. Simply put, Sue Bird was still an amazing player, even at 41. Her declaration, "This will be my final year," was, as a matter of fact, an emotional moment for her and for us all, signifying the approaching end of an extraordinary run.

At the conclusion of the 2022 WNBA season, Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird would be retiring, she announced on a Thursday. She said, "I've decided this will be my final year." She also shared, "I have loved every single minute, and still do, so gonna play my last year just like this little girl played her" – a really touching sentiment that connected her present self to her childhood passion for the game.

Sue Bird's Last Game

Sue Bird's last game was, arguably, a moment that many fans remember vividly. It was Game 4 of the Storm's playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces, as it turned out, were the eventual champions that year. While it wasn't the storybook ending of a championship win, her final appearance on the court was still, you know, incredibly significant.

On June 11th, 2023, Seattle Storm and basketball legend Sue Bird, in a way, put the final period on the basketball chapter of her life. This date, while a bit after her actual last game, marked a formal recognition of her career's close. Her iconic #10 jersey was, as a matter of fact, raised to the rafters of Climate Pledge Arena, a lasting tribute to her time with the Storm. This ceremony, you know, solidified her place in the team's history.

Her last game, as mentioned, was Game 4 of the Storm's playoff series. It was a moment filled with emotion, for sure, as fans understood they were witnessing the end of a truly remarkable playing career. She had played 21 years in the WNBA, all with the Seattle Storm, where she won titles in 2004, 2010, and other years. This long tenure with one team is, quite frankly, a testament to her loyalty and the team's commitment to her.

There are, in some respects, fewer retirements that would be a bigger deal in the world of women's sports. With her retirement, she ended a significant span for both the Seattle Storm and, more broadly, women's basketball. Her departure left a void, but also a legacy that continues to inspire. This was, you know, a very big moment for the sport.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Sue Bird retires a legend and, very clearly, a future Hall of Famer. Her impact on Seattle, the only WNBA home she's known in 19 seasons, is, quite honestly, unlike any other athlete's. As Sue Bird brought her career to an end, the impression she left on the city and its fans was, in a way, truly profound. It goes beyond just wins and losses; it's about connection and inspiration.

Sue Bird is, simply put, a legendary figure in women's basketball. Her retirement marks a significant moment in the history of the sport. She was always interested in talking about women's sports, even when she was playing. She mentioned, gosh, rewinding probably 20 years ago, she first tried broadcasting and realized she liked it. This hints at her continued involvement and passion for the game off the court.

At 41, an athlete typically faces decline, but Bird, you know, gets to start anew, as Larry Stone wrote. This perspective suggests a new chapter, full of different possibilities and interests. She looked forward to things that basketball seasons kept her from, pointing out she won't have to set an alarm for. This freedom is, arguably, a pleasant change after decades of structured athletic life.

In this engaging video, we, like, take a closer look at the remarkable journey of one of basketball's most celebrated players. It's a way to appreciate her contributions and understand the depth of her influence. Her career was, after all, a masterclass in longevity and consistent high performance, something that's quite rare to see. Learn more about Sue Bird's incredible career on our site.

Honoring a Legend

The Seattle Storm and the city have, in a way, gone to great lengths to honor Sue Bird's incredible career. Her jersey retirement ceremony was, as a matter of fact, a truly special occasion. Former Seattle Storm player Sue Bird was seen hugging former teammate Lauren Jackson during a jersey retirement ceremony for Bird following a WNBA basketball game between the Seattle Storm and another team. This moment really showed the bonds she formed over her long career.

Bird's statue will be unveiled on Sunday, August 17th. This event is planned for the day of the Storm's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. This game is, quite notably, being billed as the franchise's "Forever Sue Game." It's a way to permanently recognize her immense contributions to the team and the sport. A statue is, you know, a very significant honor, signifying her lasting presence.

The "Forever Sue Game" is, in some respects, more than just a basketball game. It's a celebration, a chance for fans to come together and collectively express their gratitude for all she gave to the sport. It's a testament to the deep connection she built with the Seattle community over her 19 seasons playing in the only WNBA home she’s ever known. The impression she’s left on Seattle is, honestly, unlike any other athlete.

After 21 years in the WNBA, Sue Bird has, finally, retired. WNBA star Sue Bird announced she would retire after the 2022 season, stating, "'This will be my final year' I have loved every single minute, and still do, so gonna play my last." This sentiment, you know, captures the enduring love she had for the game, right up to the very end. Her journey is a true inspiration, and you can find more about it on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sue Bird's Retirement

When did Sue Bird officially announce her retirement?

Sue Bird made the decision to retire in June 2022. She then followed through with that decision to the end of the 2022 WNBA season. So, her announcement came well before her actual final game, giving everyone time to celebrate her last year on the court.

What was Sue Bird's last game like?

Her very last game was Game 4 of the Seattle Storm's playoff series. This was against the Las Vegas Aces, who, as it turned out, became the champions that year. It wasn't, you know, the ending where she won a title, but it was still a very significant and emotional moment for her and for the fans.

How many seasons did Sue Bird play in the WNBA?

Sue Bird played for an impressive 21 years in the WNBA. She spent her entire career with just one team, the Seattle Storm. This kind of longevity and loyalty is, you know, quite rare in professional sports, making her career even more remarkable.