Sue Bird Was The First, But Lisa Leslie Just Joined Her In The Most Exclusive Club

Okay, Seattle. You know we don't always cheer for LA, but some legends just transcend rivalries. Today, the Los Angeles Sparks dropped some major news that's got us thinking about one of our own GOATs. They're dropping a statue for Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie at Crypto.com Arena this September. Big deal for LA, right? But here's the kicker: Leslie is only the SECOND WNBA player *ever* to get this kind of honor from her franchise. Wanna guess who was the first? Yeah, you already know. Our very own Seattle Storm legend, Sue Bird. Talk about elite company!

Lisa Leslie's Unstoppable Legacy

Let's give credit where it's due. Lisa Leslie was an absolute force. The Sparks are holding the ceremony on September 20th, right before they play Portland. Leslie, who's 53 now, played for the Sparks from 1997 to 2009. She’s their all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, and games played. Think about that dominance! She's also second in assists and steals, which is insane for a center. This woman didn't just play, she revolutionized the game. She was the first WNBA player to ever dunk in a game. Seriously, talk about breaking barriers. Her No. 9 jersey was retired in 2010, she hit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, and don't even get me started on her four straight Olympic gold medals with Team USA from 1996 to 2008. Total winner, total legend.

The Exclusive Bird-Leslie Club

This statue puts Leslie in some truly rarified air, right alongside our Queen of the Court, Sue Bird. Leslie herself knows what this means, saying she's "proud to be a role model forever!" in the city that raised her, thanking everyone from coaches to family. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a Sparks co-owner, gets it too. He said Leslie was the "driving force" behind their back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001, and her "hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game." Magic even said her legacy is "defined by the doors she opened and the standard she set." Sound familiar? It totally echoes how we feel about Sue Bird here in the Emerald City. It's not just about the stats, it's about the impact. These women didn't just play basketball, they built leagues, inspired generations. Leslie's statue will join 15 other sports legends outside the arena, including Magic himself. Pretty cool to think our Sue is in that same stratosphere. So, while we're not exactly cheering for an LA celebration, seeing Lisa Leslie get her flowers just makes you appreciate what we have, and *had*, in Seattle with Sue Bird. It's a reminder of the monumental impact these pioneers have on the game. It’s a huge moment for the WNBA when legends like Leslie and Bird get cemented, literally, into history. It keeps the spotlight on the incredible talent and dedication that built this league. Next time you're at Climate Pledge Arena, just remember our own icon stands tall in this exclusive club. Who's next to join them? We'll be watching!

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