Sue Bird Takes Flight: Connecticut Votes to Crown WNBA Icon as Co-State Bird Every March

Basketball icon Sue Bird continues to expand her post-playing legacy, landing a high-profile media gig while collecting new honors on and off the court. Veteran voice joins the studio NBC Sports announced that the four-time WNBA champion will debut this month as a national studio analyst for its newly restored WNBA coverage on NBC and Peacock. Bird is set to appear alongside host Maria Taylor for marquee regular-season matchups, the Commissioner’s Cup and this year’s Finals, bringing two decades of on-court experience to the broadcast booth. The move positions Bird at the center of a media rights renaissance for women’s basketball just as league viewership hits record highs. FIBA Hall of Fame induction caps historic résumé The former Seattle Storm point guard also secured a place in the FIBA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, becoming one of the few players—male or female—to combine four Olympic gold medals with a record five World Cup titles. The honor cements Bird’s reputation as an international standard-bearer for USA Basketball and underscores the global growth of the women’s game. A playful twist on “state bird” Back in her home state, Connecticut lawmakers advanced a light-hearted bill that would dub Bird an honorary state bird—sharing the designation with the American robin—each March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The symbolic title, prompted by Bird’s UConn legacy and lifelong ties to the region, has already lit up social media and sports talk shows. Personal life in the spotlight Off the court, Bird and longtime partner Megan Rapinoe confirmed their split after a decade together and a seven-year public engagement. The power couple’s breakup closed one of sports’ most visible LGBTQ relationships but both athletes emphasized mutual respect as they refocus on individual pursuits. What it means From a coveted network analyst chair to hall-of-fame immortality, Bird’s latest chapters boost her search popularity and broaden the reach of women’s basketball. Expect the 13-time All-Star to leverage her platform to spotlight player equity, pay growth, and the league’s push toward expansion—topics sure to dominate WNBA headlines throughout 2026.