Sue Bird, a revered figure in basketball with five Olympic gold medals to her name, is stepping into a new challenge as the managing director of the U.S. women's national basketball team. Her primary mission: to shape and guide the team for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
During an interview on TODAY, Bird humorously noted, “Retirement was boring, so I had to add something else.” Her transition from player to executive marks a pivotal moment in her storied career.
Bird's responsibilities will mirror those of Grant Hill, who manages the men's national team. In Hill's role, he collaboratively picked the Olympic roster and coaching staff, which was then confirmed by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
Historically, the women's team roster and coaching selections have been made by a committee, with figures like Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx at the helm as head coach in the previous Olympic cycle. As of now, the head coaching role for this upcoming cycle remains open.
The spotlight is on the September 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany, a tournament the U.S. has dominated in recent years with four consecutive victories. Additionally, the looming 2028 Olympics on home soil adds to the team's ambitions.
Past Olympic standouts like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are anticipated to return, with only Diana Taurasi, a six-time gold medalist, having announced her retirement. Bird's leadership aims to continue the U.S. women's basketball illustrious winning streak, which includes a 61-game Olympic run stretching back to 1992.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics final, the U.S. team narrowly defeated France 67-66, marking a rare single-digit victory not seen in Olympic knockout play since 2004. Bird’s new role embodies her unwavering commitment to maintaining this tradition of excellence.
