Introduction
Sue Bird stands as a towering figure in women’s basketball—a legend of the WNBA, a globetrotter for Team USA, and a cultural icon. Her career is marked by four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, five Olympic gold medals, and records that define excellence. Yet amidst her accolades, two topics frequently surface in public curiosity: whether she’s related to NBA great Larry Bird, and who her life partner is. This article sheds light on—Sue Bird’s championship legacy, dissects the Larry Bird myth, and celebrates her personal life.
1. Sue Bird’s WNBA Championship Legacy
Sue Bird’s professional career is synonymous with success. Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002, she spent 21 seasons with the franchise and became its heartbeat. Bird guided the Storm to four WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. In 2004, she delivered eight second-half points and six assists during their decisive Game 3 win over the Connecticut Sun. Her 2020 triumph underscored her ability to win across three different decades.
Beyond titles, Bird’s impact is monumental:
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WNBA all-time leader in assists, wins (332), games started (580), and minutes played.
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A 13-time All-Star, three-time assists leader, five-time All-WNBA First Team.
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Key contributor to the Storm’s legacy and the face of women’s basketball in Seattle.
Her influence was honored in 2023 when the Storm retired her No. 10 jersey, and in 2025 when a statue of her was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena — marking the first statue of a WNBA player and a symbolic moment for women’s sports.
2. Is Sue Bird related to Larry Bird?
Despite sharing a surname and basketball prominence, Sue Bird is not related to NBA legend Larry Bird. Sue has repeatedly addressed the rumor and even joked about it—in kindergarten, she claimed Larry was her uncle. Years later, she met him in person and teased: “Hi, I’m your niece”.
Multiple reputable sources confirm the lack of any familial link. Sue and Larry come from entirely separate backgrounds—Sue was born in New York to Herschel and Nancy Bird, with family ancestors from Ukraine. Larry, hailing from Indiana, has his own distinct family lineage.
In short: no relation. It’s a coincidence of name and basketball greatness that fuels the speculation—but each trailblazed her own path.
3. Personal Life & Spouse
Sue Bird’s personal life is as inspirational as her on-court legacy. She publicly came out as lesbian in July 2017, sharing that she had been dating soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe since their meeting at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In October 2020, the couple announced their engagement—becoming one of the most celebrated lesbian couples in sports.
Sue and Megan have been trailblazers both personally and publicly:
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First same-sex couple to appear on the cover of ESPN’s “Body Issue” (2018).
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Co-hosted the ESPYs in 2020 as the first LGBTQ+ pair to do so.
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Active advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equity.
Following retirement from playing in 2022, Sue transitioned into executive and ownership roles:
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Joined the ownership group of Seattle Storm, and in 2024 became a part-owner of Gotham FC in NWSL.
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She also serves as managing director for Team USA Women’s Basketball in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics.
4. Legacy, Recognition & Influence
Sue Bird’s influence extends far beyond championships:
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She’s been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and poised for the Naismith Memorial Hall in 2025.
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A documentary, Sue Bird: In the Clutch, premiered at Sundance, highlighting her career, advocacy, and journey toward recognition.
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Her career symbolizes progress in women’s sports—she continues to shape the narrative both on and off the court.
FAQs
1. How many WNBA championships did Sue Bird win?
She earned four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. Sue Bird WNBA Championships.
2. Is Sue Bird related to NBA legend Larry Bird?
No—despite rumors and childhood jokes, she has no familial connection to Larry Bird.
3. Who is Sue Bird’s spouse?
Sue is engaged to Megan Rapinoe, a decorated soccer star, after meeting in 2016. They announced their engagement in October 2020.
4. What notable honors has Sue Bird received after retirement?
She’s joined ownership groups (Seattle Storm, Gotham FC), is managing director for Team USA Women’s Basketball (2028), and was honored with a statue and jersey retirement.
5. Is there a documentary about her?
Yes—the documentary Sue Bird: In the Clutch premiered at Sundance and chronicles her career and activism.
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