Basketball legend Sue Bird named first managing director of Team USA women
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 3:20 pm
Sue Bird Takes the Reins: Basketball Icon Named Managing Director of Team USA Women
Basketball icon Sue Bird is stepping into a new role, taking the helm as the first managing director of the United States Women's National Team, USA Basketball announced last Thursday. This marks a significant move for the legendary point guard, who retired from her illustrious playing career in 2022.
Bird's responsibilities will be substantial. She'll be tasked with identifying the coaching staff and selecting the players who will represent Team USA in major international competitions, including the highly anticipated 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This is a crucial role, given the team's unparalleled dominance in women's basketball.
Bird's resume speaks for itself. A five-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and 13-time All-Star, she's a true titan of the sport. Her experience and leadership are undeniable. She was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
The USA Women's National Team boasts an incredible legacy. Since women's basketball was introduced at the 1976 Olympics, they've won 10 gold medals in 12 tournaments. Their winning streak is remarkable, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992, a streak of 61 consecutive victories. This includes their recent gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley praised Bird, highlighting her respect within the basketball community and expressing confidence in her ability to lead the team to continued success. The focus now shifts to the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, with Bird at the forefront.
BNN's Perspective: This is a smart move by USA Basketball. Bird's experience and understanding of the game are invaluable. While some might question the transition from player to management, her proven leadership and deep connection to the team make her a strong choice. It's a good balance of honoring a legend while ensuring the team's continued success.
Keywords: Sue Bird, USA Basketball, Women's National Team, managing director, Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, 2028 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles, basketball, Team USA, FIBA Women's World Cup, Jim Tooley, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Paris 2024, women's basketball, coaching staff, players, international competitions.