“Retirement was boring” - WNBA legend Sue Bird expresses excitement over her appointment as new managing director of USA Women's National Team

The USA Women’s national team now has Sue Bird as its first managing director. Bird is a five-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Cup title holder. USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley called her a ‘huge asset’ and showed trust in her leadership ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games . Bird expressed excitement at taking up the new responsibility entrusted to her.


Sue Bird expressed excitement on her appointment as managing director of USA Women’s National Team


The 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Sue Bird, is appointed as the first managing director of USA Women’s National Team. She has been a noted basketball player with an extensive presence in the USA Basketball.

Five-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time WNBA All-Star Sue Bird will be the first managing director of the USA Women’s National Team, USA Basketball announced. pic.twitter.com/v2UJjkGpf2

— ESPN (@espn) May 8, 2025

Sue Bird made her basketball debut in 2000 in the Jones Cup tournament. With an impressive 162-9 record accumulated during her 22-year-long career, she rightfully earns the new position.


Talking about the appointment at NBC’s ‘TODAY’ show, she said:


“I'm excited.” She further elaborated, “ Obviously, as a player, I was able to represent our country, so (now) to do it in this position as well.”


Further, she stated, “It’s a huge honor to be named managing director of USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team.


Representing the United States has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the next generation as they carry that legacy on.”








Though Bird retired from her playing career in 2022, she kept herself engaged in various activities, which kept her associated with the game in some way. Talking about her post-retirement life, she said:


“I know it seems like I have a ton on my schedule, a ton on my calendar, which at times, is true. But the best part is that it's all in the world of basketball, which is a world that I enjoy being in, a world I know really well. So it doesn't feel like work."


Referring to her time after retirement in 2022, she jokingly commented, "You know, retirement was boring."








Sue Bird’s career in the USA Basketball is the stuff legends are made of. She set the record for the most assists in her career, won four championships, and was a WNBA All-Star 13 times. Bird’s vast experience and deep association with basketball will provide the unbeatable USA Women’s National Team the perfect tutelage as it gears up for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.



USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley showed trust in Sue Bird’s capabilities while making the announcement


USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley showered praise on Sue Bird while announcing her appointment as the new managing director of the USA Women’s National Team. Acknowledging the formidable presence of Bird in the USA Women’s Basketball, he said:


“Having known Sue for many years, I’m confident her leadership and knowledge will be a huge asset to the continued success of our women’s national team program.”


He further said, “And we’re excited to have her join us as we head towards the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.”








Tooley recognized Bird as one of the most respected people in the basketball community and showed trust that under her guidance, the National Team would achieve new heights of success.



It is worth mentioning that Team USA has managed a long winning streak in both the Olympic Game and the World Championship formats since 2006. Sue Bird called her new role a ‘no win’ position given the high pressure that comes along with the responsibility.



Also Read: WNBA star Sue Bird believes that Caitlin Clark is the best solution to America’s huge problem


Is Sue Bird the best choice for the role of managing director of the USA Women’s National Team? Share your views in the comments.