Sue Bird Is Entering a New Era—and Doing It Her Way

June 9, 2026

Sue Bird receives a different kind of greeting everywhere she goes. In Seattle, where the WNBA great has lived since she was drafted by the Storm in 2002, it’s like saying hello to a neighbor: “ ’Sup, Sue?” A permanent statue of the four-time champion welcomes fans to Climate Pledge Arena, and many of the Storm staff have Sue Bird memorabilia in their offices. She’s always there, even when she’s not.

In New York City, where she also lives part-time, some days she goes unnoticed and others she’s stopped four times on the way to dinner. When I meet Sue for lunch in April in the West Village neighborhood, a kind fan introduces himself on his way out. “I’m Travis. Congrats on all the success post-career,” he says. “I have a lot of respect for what you’re building with the podcast and Togethxr.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Sue replies warmly, before switching to her signature deadpan. “It’s good for the interview, Travis. Thanks.”

Earlier that afternoon, I’d said something similar to Sue without much thought: “Congrats on the new job!” She looked at me, puzzled. Women’s Heath