WNBA legend Sue Bird is joining NBC Sports as a studio analyst for the 2026 WNBA season. The Hall of Famer will work with Maria Taylor, who was named lead studio host last June.
"From the talent to the coaching to fan engagement, this league has never been stronger," said Bird. "I'm so excited to get to tell those stories in real time, dig into the details, and give fans a different perspective on everything that makes the WNBA such a special and entertaining league."
Bird spent her entire 19-season WNBA career with the Seattle Storm. The four-time WNBA Champion and 13-time All-Star stands as the WNBA's all-time leader in assists (3,234), career starts (580), and minutes played (18,080). She additionally ranks second in 3-pointers made (1,001) while coming in third in steals (724).
The five-time Olympic gold medalist stands as the only player to win WNBA titles in three different decades.
Since retiring, Bird serves as the first managing director for the USA Basketball women's team. She also holds ownership stakes in both the Seattle Storm and NWSL's Gotham FC.
As part of the league's new media deal, NBCUniversal will air at least 50 WNBA games across the 2026 regular and postseason. NBC pioneered the league's national broadcast from 1997 to 2002 before returning this year.
Current WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham is also preparing for the TV studio, as the Fever star joins NBC subsidiary USA Network as a contributor for select 2026 games.
"You get to break down these elite-level players and why they do what they do. I find it so fascinating," Cunningham told Sports Illustrated. "Maybe there's going to be a career there when I'm done playing basketball."
