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.