Sue Bird Retired in 2022 After Final WNBA Season

Sue Bird retired from professional basketball in 2022 after a legendary career with the WNBA's Seattle Storm. The exact date of her final game was September 7, 2022, marking the official end of her on-court presence in the league. This moment was widely recognized as the conclusion of one of the most influential careers in women’s basketball history. As fans searched for details on when did Sue Bird retire, many also explored her legacy, impact on the sport, and what retirement meant for future generations of athletes.

Who Is Sue Bird?

Sue Bird is a former professional basketball player who spent her entire 19-year career with the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on October 16, 1980, in Syosset, New York, she played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, where she led the Huskies to two national championships. Drafted first overall by the Storm in 2002, Bird quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise and one of the most respected point guards in basketball history.

Bird earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), and multiple All-Star selections. Her leadership, court vision, and consistency made her a model of excellence both on and off the court.

The Announcement of Retirement

In January 2022, Sue Bird announced that the upcoming season would be her last. She made the public declaration through an article published on The Players' Tribune, titled "Fairwell," where she reflected on her journey, the evolution of the WNBA, and her hopes for the next generation of female athletes. The announcement was met with widespread admiration and media coverage, as fans and fellow players alike honored her contributions to the sport.

Her farewell tour during the 2022 season became a celebration across arenas. Each road game featured tributes from opposing teams, fans holding "Thank You Sue" signs, and special video montages recognizing her impact. This emotional journey highlighted not just her skill but also the respect she commanded throughout the basketball world.

Final Game and Career Conclusion

Sue Bird’s last professional game took place on September 7, 2022, in a playoff matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. Although the Storm were eliminated from postseason contention shortly after, that game marked the definitive end of her playing career. She finished the night with two assists and one rebound, modest stats that belied her immense influence on the game.

While some may search for alternate dates—such as her official retirement announcement or jersey retirement ceremony—the consensus among sports historians and major news outlets is that her retirement from active competition occurred at the close of the 2022 WNBA season. Therefore, when people ask when did Sue Bird retire, the answer centers on September 2022 as the endpoint of her athletic career.

Legacy and Impact Beyond the Court

Beyond her statistics and championships, Sue Bird’s legacy extends into advocacy, mentorship, and cultural change within women’s sports. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and better pay for female athletes. As an openly gay athlete in a high-profile position, she helped normalize visibility and inclusion in professional sports.

She also co-founded the production company Thirty Five Ventures with her partner, tennis legend Megan Rapinoe, focusing on storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices in sports. Through documentaries, podcasts, and social initiatives, Bird continues to shape the conversation around athletics and society.

Additionally, her role in pushing for improved working conditions in the WNBA—including travel standards, maternity policies, and salary increases—has had lasting structural impacts. Many current players cite Bird as a foundational figure in making the league more sustainable and equitable.

Common Misconceptions About Her Retirement

One common confusion arises from the difference between announcing retirement and actually retiring. Some sources mistakenly list January 2022—the month she announced her final season—as her retirement date. However, athletes typically retire at the end of their final competitive season, not when they make the announcement.

Another misconception is that she retired mid-season. In fact, Bird played all 30 regular-season games in 2022 and participated in the playoffs, maintaining full engagement until the Storm’s elimination. There was no early departure due to injury or personal reasons; her exit followed the natural progression of the season.

Also worth noting: while the Seattle Storm officially retired her jersey number (No. 5) in a ceremony on June 11, 2023, this event was commemorative and post-retirement. It should not be confused with her actual retirement date.

How Fans Can Honor Her Legacy

Fans interested in celebrating Sue Bird’s career have several meaningful options:

• Watch archival games: The WNBA and platforms like YouTube offer highlight reels and full-game recordings of key moments in Bird’s career, including championship runs and Olympic performances.
• Support women’s basketball: Attending WNBA games, following current players, and advocating for equal media coverage helps sustain the progress Bird championed.
• Engage with her media work: Following Thirty Five Ventures’ projects provides insight into how Bird continues influencing sports culture beyond the hardwood.
• Educate others: Sharing accurate information about her career timeline, including when did Sue Bird retire, combats misinformation and preserves historical accuracy.

Comparisons With Other Legends

Sue Bird’s retirement invites comparisons with other icons who left the game at the top of their influence. Like NBA legends Magic Johnson or Tim Duncan, Bird exited with sustained excellence rather than a decline in performance. Unlike some athletes who return after brief retirements, Bird has maintained a clear boundary between her playing days and post-career life.

Her longevity—19 seasons in a physically demanding sport—is particularly remarkable. Only a handful of WNBA players have reached double-digit seasons, let alone approached two decades. Her durability, intelligence, and adaptability allowed her to remain effective even as the game evolved around her.

Player	WNBA Tenure	Championships	Olympic Gold Medals	Retirement Year
Sue Bird	2002–2022	4	5	2022
Tamika Catchings	2001–2016	1	4	2016
Candace Parker	2008–2023*	2	3	2023
Seimone Augustus	2006–2021	4	4	2021

What’s Next After Retirement?

Since retiring, Sue Bird has remained highly active in the sports world. She serves as an analyst for ESPN, providing expert commentary on college and professional basketball. Her insights are valued for their depth and clarity, reflecting her strategic understanding of the game.

She has also taken on roles in team management and advisory capacities. In 2023, she joined the ownership group of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, further expanding her influence across women’s professional sports.

Rumors occasionally surface about potential front-office positions in the WNBA or involvement in expansion efforts, though no official appointments have been confirmed. Regardless, her voice remains pivotal in shaping the future of women’s athletics.

Why Accurate Information Matters

Understanding when did Sue Bird retire isn’t just trivia—it affects how we document sports history, honor athlete legacies, and educate new fans. Incorrect dates can lead to flawed records, misleading timelines, and diminished recognition of milestones.

For journalists, educators, and content creators, verifying retirement dates using primary sources—such as official league announcements, team press releases, or player statements—is essential. Relying solely on secondary summaries risks propagating errors.

Moreover, accurate reporting respects the athlete’s journey. Recognizing that Bird completed a full season before retiring underscores her dedication and professionalism, qualities central to her identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When did Sue Bird play her last game?
  Sue Bird played her final game on September 7, 2022, in a playoff loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
• Did Sue Bird retire in 2021 or 2022?
  Sue Bird retired in 2022. While she announced her decision in January 2022, she played the entire 2022 season before retiring.
• Has Sue Bird ever come out of retirement?
  No, Sue Bird has not returned to professional play since retiring after the 2022 season.
• Was her retirement due to injury?
  No, her retirement was planned and not caused by injury. She chose to step away after a full and successful career.
• When was Sue Bird’s jersey retired?
  The Seattle Storm retired her No. 5 jersey on June 11, 2023, in a special halftime ceremony.