Sue Bird's Moving Into the Broadcast Booth, and Seattle Storm Fans Should Be Pumped

The legend is coming to your TV. Sue Bird, the greatest player in Seattle Storm history and a Hall of Famer who just got enshrined in 2025, is stepping into the broadcast booth as a studio analyst for NBC's WNBA coverage. After spending her entire 19-year career running the point for Seattle, Bird is ready to break down the game from a different angle, and honestly, that's huge for the league and for us.

From Player to Storyteller

Bird has been thinking about this move for a while. "I've been circling broadcasting for a long time now," she told the AP. "Given NBC's history and legacy and where the WNBA is now, I am excited to be part of it." But this isn't just about sitting courtside and analyzing pick and roll coverages. Bird will also host a series of feature stories on NBC and Peacock throughout the league's 30th season, which kicks off on May 8. These features will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at players and the league celebrating its anniversary. Some versions air on TV, but extended cuts drop digitally, so you'll get the full story if you want it.

This fits Bird perfectly. She's spent the past few years hosting podcasts, including "Bird's Eye View," where she's gotten really comfortable telling player stories. She also spent six years on ESPN providing alternate coverage of the women's Final Four and championship games with Diana Taurasi. "I really enjoy telling stories as it's something that comes naturally to me," Bird said. "My goal was to tell the stories of these players. Those are the features I'm doing with NBC as well."

The Return of "Roundball Rock"

There's another reason to get excited: NBC is bringing back "Roundball Rock," John Tesh's iconic theme song that was the soundtrack for the network's WNBA coverage from 1997 to 2002. It's a throwback that matters. Bird's rookie season in 2002 was actually NBC's last WNBA broadcast before now. "Anytime anyone hears it, whether you're a basketball fan or not, it's really recognizable," Bird said. "Turn the TV on as a spectator or fan on the couch, if that's the first thing you hear there's an excitement that comes with it."

NBC Sports will air more than 20 games across the regular season, playoffs, and WNBA Finals this year. Bird's credentials are unquestionable: four WNBA championships in Seattle, 13 All-Star selections, all-time leader in assists (3,234), starts (580), and minutes played (18,080). She also won five Olympic gold medals. As Betsy Riley, Senior Vice President and WNBA Coordinating Producer of NBC Sports, put it: "There is no more accomplished player in the history of the WNBA and arguably in all of women's sports than Sue Bird."

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.