In a landmark move, USA Basketball is shaking up its structure, appointing WNBA icon Sue Bird as the new managing director for the women's national team. The announcement marks a significant shift in how the team will be managed, entrusting Bird with key decision-making power.
Bird, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Cup champion, brings unparalleled experience and respect to the role. At 44, she will essentially assume the "Grant Hill" role for the women's team, mirroring the responsibilities held by Grant Hill for the men's program. This includes overseeing player roster selections and coaching staff appointments for major international competitions like the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup.
Empowering a Legend: A New Era for Women's Basketball
Previously, a committee handled roster and coaching decisions. However, Bird's deep understanding of the game and her standing within the basketball community have earned her the autonomy to lead the team's direction.
This move contrasts with previous structures and signifies a renewed commitment to leveraging expert insight at the highest level. While the men's team has operated with a managing director since 2005, Bird's appointment elevates the women's program and aligns its leadership structure with its male counterpart.
Bird will report to Briana Weiss, mirroring the reporting structure where men's managing director Grant Hill works with Sean Ford.
Fast Track to the World Cup: Bird's First Challenges
The clock is ticking. The FIBA World Cup in September 2026 is looming, with qualifying events kicking off in November of this year. This tight timeline puts immediate pressure on Bird to assemble a competitive roster and coaching staff while navigating the complex politics of team selection.
The selection process is bound to be closely watched, especially after the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark's omission from the 2024 Paris Olympics roster. Bird's decisions will be under a microscope as she balances talent, team chemistry, and external pressures.
Beyond the Court: Bird's New Podcast Venture
Adding another layer to her already impressive portfolio, Bird is launching a new WNBA-focused podcast titled "Bird's Eye View" with Vox Media. The podcast, premiering May 16 on major platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple, will feature Bird's expert analysis and interviews with influential figures in the league.
"It's going to be rooted in the ways in which the conversation that I can have might be different from an analyst or journalist. It's going to be player to player, in a sense," Bird told The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting her unique perspective and insider knowledge.
What's Next for the Women's National Team?
The immediate focus is on preparing for the FIBA World Cup qualifying events in November. With Sue Bird at the helm, the future of USA Women's Basketball looks bright. Her leadership and expertise are poised to usher in a new era of success and solidify the team's dominance on the international stage. Expect the program to be fiercely competitive and strategically innovative under her guidance. Basketball fans worldwide will be watching with anticipation as Sue Bird takes flight in her new role.