Sue Bird's No. 10 WNBA jersey retired by Storm in funny, emotional ceremony

For more than two hours, Sue Bird was back commanding the middle of the court.

At times funny, at times emotional, Bird's 21-year career received a ceremony that matched the longevity of her basketball exploits when the Seattle Storm retired the No. 10 she wore during her WNBA career on Sunday.

The event pushed nearly three hours in total length with Bird's speech taking up more than half that amount. But it was the comprehensive closure that never materialized after Bird's career ended in the 2022 WNBA playoffs.

"I didn't anticipate it being that long, but the truth is I don't know that I could have taken anything out," Bird said afterward. "That's what this has meant to me. It was just so important for me to say names and to point people out and to tell them what they've meant."

From Bird's fiancee Megan Rapinoe and hip-hop star Macklemore serving as emcee's, to former teammates Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson giving heartfelt speeches, the event was Seattle's opportunity to embrace Bird once more.

And for Bird to share her thanks to former coaches, teammates, family, friends and fans who watched her win four WNBA titles and five Olympic gold medals and become the standard by which all other point guards are judged.

"That's what has made this all so wonderful. To feel seen and safe here, whether it was with the ball in my hands on the floor, or me out in the community, I could always be my ever-evolving self," Bird said toward the conclusion of her speech. "As I've said, Seattle wasn't always home, but that's exactly what it became."

Bird earned a record 13 WNBA all-star selections during her career and is only the second Storm player to have her number retired after Australian three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson.

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