Just a few years ago, Sue Bird was leading Team USA onto the Olympic court with a gold medal in sight. She was calm and confident as ever. Now, she’s making a different kind of impact, this time not with a basketball in hand, but with a vision and leadership role that’s shaking things up behind the scenes. Big changes are coming to USA Women’s Basketball, and one of them involves a name that’s already legendary in women’s hoops. So, what exactly is going on here?
Well, let’s just say the women’s side of Team USA is entering a brand new era. No more committees deciding who makes the team or who leads it from the bench. That job now falls into the very capable hands of Sue Bird, who has just been named the first-ever managing director of the USA Women’s National Team.
The news dropped this week and instantly lit up the basketball world, especially when NBA Hall of Famer and current USA Men’s managing director Grant Hill posted on Instagram: “Congratulations SBird on your new role as Managing Director.” A classy nod from Hill, who is the managing director of the Men’s basketball. He knows what it takes to be a managing director! It’s more than a pat on the back. It’s a powerful passing of the torch.
Hill’s comments signal the kind of respect Sue Bird commands across the entire basketball community. And it’s not just symbolic, Sue Bird is literally stepping into a similar position to Hill’s, with full control over selecting coaches and rosters for major international competitions like the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Bird herself addressed the pressure that comes with the job: “Everybody who takes this job is in a no-win (situation). The pressure is always there for USA Basketball.” But as someone who’s spent over two decades thriving under that exact pressure, she seems more than ready.
USA Basketball officials were quick to praise Bird’s leadership and understanding of the game. CEO Jim Tooley said, “Sue is one of the most respected people in the basketball community,” adding that her knowledge will be key to the team’s continued dominance. The USA Women’s Team hasn’t lost a game in Olympic or FIBA World Cup play since 2006 – an insane stat! But the margins are tighter now than ever. Just last year, Team USA barely edged France in the gold medal game by a single point. That’s the kind of razor-thin difference Sue Bird will now be managing from the front office.
Sue Bird and Hill’s shared history:
Sue Bird’s impact on women’s basketball continues with her new role as the USA team’s first managing director. This legacy has been shared by Grant Hill, who has served as the managing director for the USA Men’s National Team since 2021. Hill was tasked with assembling the men’s squad for the 2024 Olympics. And guy, he delivered! Guiding them to another gold medal last summer. Now, Bird is taking on the same mission, but on the women’s side of the court.
Grant Hill’s experience has set the tone for what Bird can expect. “The pressure is always there for USA Basketball,” Bird said, echoing what Hill himself has acknowledged many times during his tenure. Both know that expectations not only come from fans, but from the history of excellence built by those who came before. And both are determined to protect that standard while pushing it even further.
Atlanta Hawks co-owner and multimillionaire Grant Hill’s career is defined by his leadership, both in business and basketball. Now, Bird is following a similar path, balancing her new role with podcasting and ownership stakes in the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and NWSL’s Gotham FC. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about leadership and making an impact.
In September, Sue Bird will officially join the NBA Hall of Fame, making her on par with Grant Hill. They’ve both worn the jersey, felt the Olympic pressure, and stood on the top of the podium. Now, they’ll sit at the same (metaphorical) table, steering USA Basketball into the future. It’s a rare and powerful partnership and Hill’s message was clear – “Welcome to the team and let’s get going”.
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