Four-time WNBA champion, league legend Sue Bird re-signs with Seattle Storm

Sue Bird is staying put.

Officially.

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One of the best players in WNBA history, Bird has re-signed with the Seattle Storm, the franchise announced Monday.

“Seattle and the Storm franchise have been home for my entire career,” Bird said in a statement. “This is a special team and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court with them as well as representing this great city and our amazing fans.”

Bird, 40, is one of Seattle’s biggest sports icons, having led the Storm to four WNBA championships in 17 seasons. The league’s longest-tenured player, Bird is the Storm’s franchise leader in points (6,262), steals (659) and assists (2,888). Her career assists total and games played (519) are also the most in WNBA history.

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Bird, an 11-time All Star and eight-time All-WNBA selection, helped lead the Storm to their fourth title this past season. She posted career highs in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage in 2020.

PALMETTO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm dribbles during the second half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on October 06, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Julio Aguilar / Getty Images

PALMETTO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm looks to pass the ball during the second half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on October 06, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Bird has averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game for her career.

Reports had surfaced earlier this month that Bird, who was a free agent, was re-signing with the Storm, but would do so once the team’s salary cap situation was resolved.

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“Sue Bird has been synonymous with Storm basketball for two decades, leading this franchise to four WNBA championships,” Storm CEO and general manager Alisha Valavanis said in the press release. "She is not only one of the best to ever play the game but one of the most important leaders in it. She has been integral in the growth of the league and its impact off the court. We are thrilled she’ll be back to lead the Storm this season.”

On top of her WNBA success, Bird has won eight gold medals with the USA Women’s National Team — four in the Olympics (2004, 2008, 2016, 2020) and four in the FIBA World Championships (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018). She also won a bronze with the Americans at the 2006 World Championships in Brazil.

Bird was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Storm.