Legendary Sue Bird announces retirement: 'I've loved every single minute' / News - Basketnews.com

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One of the most decorated athletes to ever play the game of basketball, Sue Bird, has announced this will be her final season playing in the WNBA.

"I've decided this will be my final year," the 41-year-old Bird posted on social media. "I have loved every single minute, and still do, so gonna play my last year, just like this little girl played her first."

Bird had previously said she considered retiring after the 2021 campaign, but this past offseason she signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Storm, where she's spent her entire 21-year WNBA career.

Last season, the WNBA all-time assists leader became the first player in the league's history to reach the 3000-assist mark (now has 3,114).

The American point guard is a four-time WNBA champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), 12-time WNBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021), five-time All-WNBA First Team member (2002–2005, 2016), three-time WNBA regular-season assists leader (2005, 2009, 2016), and a member of WNBA All-Decade Team.

Her international career is equally impressive. Sue Bird is a five-time EuroLeague Women champion (2007–2010, 2013), winner of five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), and four FIBA World Cup gold accolades (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018).

This season Sue Bird is averaging 7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.

Her WNBA career averages are 11.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists (559 matches).

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