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3mo ago

Sue Bird to Lead USA Women’s Basketball as First Managing Director

The Hall-of-Famer will oversee roster and coaching staff decisions for the 2026 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, signaling a governance shift for the program.

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Former WNBA player Sue Bird arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre.
Sue Bird #6 of Team United States celebrates after defeating Team Japan 90-75 to win the women's gold medal match between Team United States and Team Japan on day sixteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021 in Saitama, Japan.
UConn legends Sue Bird, right, and Diana Taurasi tell the world just how many gold medals they've won together following Team USA's championship performance in Tokyo in 2021. (Getty Images)

Overview

  • Sue Bird has agreed to become the managing director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team for the 2028 Olympic cycle, with an official announcement set for Thursday in New York.
  • In her new role, Bird will take over responsibilities for selecting team rosters and coaching staffs, a departure from the previous committee-based approach.
  • This move aligns the women’s program with the men’s structure, where a single managing director has overseen team-building since 2005.
  • Bird’s appointment comes during a transitional period for the team, following Diana Taurasi’s retirement and controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark’s omission from the 2024 Olympic roster.
  • The team’s next major challenge will be the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany, with preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics also on the horizon.