Sue Bird’s name is synonymous with excellence, longevity, and leadership in women’s basketball. Over two decades, she not only became the WNBA’s all-time assists leader but also a global icon for the sport. But how much money did she make in her basketball career? Let’s explore Bird’s net worth and career earnings.
Sue Bird’s Net Worth and WNBA Career Earnings
Bird is regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, and her net worth is estimated at around $8 million to $10 million. Bird built her wealth by earning WNBA salaries through an illustrious 21-year, 19-season career, securing major endorsement deals along the way. She also played in Russian basketball leagues and was involved in the development of various business assets and investment holdings.
Bird spent her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm before retiring in 2022. During that time, she dominated the league, winning four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020) and five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020).
Across two decades in the league, Bird earned between $1.8 million and $2.4 million in WNBA salary, based on various reports. She started her career in the early 2000s, making less than $60,000 per year. As her stature in the league grew, so did her pay. She made $72,141 in her final season.
Salary records from Spotrac show Bird made $966,591 during her last seven seasons from 2016 to 2022. As league salaries increased, those later years made up a big chunk of her total WNBA earnings.
Beyond WNBA: International Play and Business Ventures
The real money-maker in Bird’s career was her time playing overseas. She spent about 10 offseasons in Russia with teams like Dynamo Moscow and UMMC Ekaterinburg. According to Bird, she earned nearly 10 times her early WNBA salary playing abroad, with that international experience helping her become a millionaire.
Bird also earned an estimated $1.5 million through endorsements. She signed deals with Nike, American Express, CarMax, Capital One, Corona, Tonal, Glossier, and Mendi, proving her reach went far beyond basketball.
Bird has proven herself just as savvy in business as she was on the court. She co-founded TogethXR, a women’s sports media company that’s generated over $6 million in revenue, as reported by PRNEWSWIRE. Her investment portfolio includes stakes in women’s soccer team Gotham FC, fitness company Tonal, and basketball training company Shoot 360. She even spent time working in the Denver Nuggets’ front office.
Bird’s legacy goes well beyond the hardwood. Through smart business moves, brand power, and international play, she’s built lasting wealth and cemented her place as a true trailblazer in sports.