Sue Bird, born on October 16, 1980, is a renowned American former professional basketball player who spent her entire career with the Seattle Storm of the WNBA.
Known for her exceptional skills as a point guard, Bird has left an indelible mark on the basketball world with numerous achievements throughout her career.
Bird’s career highlights include leading the Seattle Storm to WNBA titles in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020.
She also played for the University of Connecticut, winning three straight Big East Conference titles and NCAA titles in 2000 and 2002.
Age, height and weight
Bird is 32 years old, stands at a height of 175 cm (5 ft 9 in), and weighs 67 kg (147 lbs) .
Ethnicity and nationality
Bird is of Russian American and Israeli American descent, with dual citizenship in America and Israel for basketball reasons.
She was born in Syosset, New York, to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother.
Her paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from what is now Ukraine, who changed their name from “Boorda” to “Bird” at Ellis Island.
Bird identifies with both her Jewish and Christian heritage, celebrating holidays from both traditions.
Nationality-wise, she holds American and Israeli citizenship.
Parents and siblings
Bird was born on October 16, 1980, in Syosset, New York, to a Jewish family with Russian origins.
Her father is Herschel Bird, an Italian-born Russian Jew, and her mother is Nancy Bird.
Bird has an older sister named Jen Bird.
Relationship status
Bird is currently engaged to soccer star Megan Rapinoe whom she met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and began dating shortly after, announcing their engagement in 2020.
They have been together since 2017 and have a strong relationship, supporting each other through their respective careers and life changes.
Both athletes have been open about their relationship, with Bird publicly coming out as gay in 2017 when she confirmed her relationship with Rapinoe.
They have shared their journey openly, from their first meeting to their engagement, showcasing a deep bond and mutual admiration for each other’s accomplishments.
Their relationship is characterized by love, support, and a shared commitment to each other’s personal and professional growth.
Who is Megan Rapinoe?
Megan, born on July 5, 1985, in Redding, California, is an American former professional soccer player known for her exceptional skills as a winger.
She played for Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League and the United States national team.
Megan has achieved significant success in her career, winning two Women’s World Cups (2015 and 2019) and a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
She attended the University of Portland, where she excelled in soccer and became one of the leading scorers in collegiate women’s soccer in the United States.
Despite facing injuries during her college years, Megan returned to soccer full-time and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2008.
She began her professional career with teams like Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and Seattle Sounders Women before playing internationally in France.
Megan is not only known for her athletic prowess but also for her activism. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, gender equality and racial justice.
In 2019, she was named FIFA’s Women’s Player of the Year and won the Ballon d’Or as the best female player in the world.
Megan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022 for her contributions to sports and activism.
Her impact extends beyond the soccer field, making her a prominent figure in both sports and social advocacy.
Is Sue Bird related to Larry Bird?
Sue is not related to former pro basketball player Larry Bird, despite sharing the same last name.
In an interview, Sue revealed that she used to fib about being Larry’s niece when she was younger.
Larry, known as “Larry Legend,” is a Celtics Hall of Fame forward who played for the Boston team from 1979 to 1992.
The Celtics retired his iconic number 33 jersey following his retirement from basketball.
Despite the common question about their relation due to their shared surname and basketball backgrounds, Bird clarified that they are not related.
Career
Bird is a legendary basketball player known for her exceptional skills as a point guard.
She began her career at the University of Connecticut, where she won two NCAA championships and was named the Wade Trophy and Naismith Award winner as the College Player of the Year.
In 2002, she was drafted as the first overall pick by the Seattle Storm, where she has since established herself as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
Bird has won four Olympic gold medals, four FIBA World Cups, and three WNBA championships.
She is also known for her activism and advocacy for LGBTQ rights, gender equality, and racial justice.
Bird’s career highlights include leading the Seattle Storm to WNBA titles in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020.
She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s basketball and has been involved in coaching, broadcasting, and other aspects of the sport.
Net worth
Bird’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $11 million.
Throughout her career, Bird has earned significant income from playing for various Russian Premier League teams, where she could make between $400,000 and $1 million per season.
Additionally, she has supplemented her earnings with endorsements from brands like Nike, State Farm, American Express, CarMax and Corona.
Bird has also ventured into investments, becoming part of the ownership group for NWSL club Gotham FC and investing in companies like Tonal and Diveplane.
Furthermore, she co-founded a women’s sports media brand called TOGETHXR with other athletes to promote women’s sports and provide inspiration for young female athletes.
Bird’s financial success is a result of her basketball career, endorsements, investments and entrepreneurial endeavors.