USA Basketball is set to appoint Sue Bird as the managing director of the women’s national team, as confirmed by a source to Front Office Sports. This significant shift in leadership establishes Bird in a position akin to that of Grant Hill, who manages the men’s national team. Previously, the selection of players and coaching staff for the women’s team was done by a committee; with Bird’s new role, she will take charge of these critical decisions.
This change aligns the women’s team with the operational structure of the men’s side, which has seen a consistent leadership model for two decades. Grant Hill transitioned into his role following Jerry Colangelo’s long tenure from 2005 to 2021, indicating a similar path for Bird, who has been a celebrated player for many years.
Bird’s accomplishments as a player include being a four-time WNBA champion and aiming for her sixth Olympic gold medal as she leads the team into the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This will mark a significant moment as the Games return to the U.S. for the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The U.S. women’s team recently demonstrated their dominance by winning their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, narrowly defeating France 67-66. This victory underscores the long-standing excellence of the program, which Bird now has the chance to further.
As Bird steps into her new role, speculation arises on who she might select as the coach for future Olympic cycles. Previous coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma led successful teams but faced criticism over roster decisions, such as Caitlin Clark not being included on the 2024 Olympic roster despite her impressive collegiate performance.
With the retirements of notable players like Diana Taurasi and Bird herself, the women’s national team is on the verge of a transformative era, and Bird will be instrumental in guiding this transition.
Bird’s appointment as managing director not only enhances the leadership structure of the USA women’s basketball program but also signals a hopeful future with the inclusion of new talent ready to make their mark on the international stage.