Former Storm star Sue Bird joins team's ownership group

Former Seattle Storm star Sue Bird joined the team's ownership group ahead of the 2024 WNBA season.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Bird, who played her entire career with the Storm after they selected her with the top overall pick of the 2002 WNBA Draft out of UConn.

Bird helped the Storm win four WNBA titles (2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020). She also is a 13-time All-Star, the league's all-time leader in assists and a member of the WNBA's 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th anniversary teams. She also won five Olympic gold medals.

"As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game," Bird said in a news release on Wednesday. "Investing in women's sports isn't just about passion; it's smart business. It's about recognizing the immense talent, dedication, and market potential our league has always had.

"Force 10 Hoops (the team's ownership group) and the Storm have been at the forefront of this for decades. Together, we're not just shaping the future of basketball, but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society."

Bird, 43, also has an ownership stake in the National Women Soccer League's NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Force 10 Hoops LLC also includes Lisa Brummel, Ginny Gilder and Dawn Trudeau.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sue into the ownership group after a storied career on the court," Brummel said. "Her knowledge of the game and the league, her ever-expanding business acumen, and her dedication to the Storm organization, make her a superb addition to the ownership group."