USA Basketball has named legendary player Sue Bird as the new managing director for the women’s national team program, confirming a significant organizational shift first reported by The Athletic earlier this week. The appointment moves the women's program away from a long-standing committee structure for personnel decisions.
Bird will oversee roster and coaching staff selections for major international competitions, including the upcoming 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This role aligns the women's program structure with the men's national team, which has utilized a managing director position for nearly two decades.
On the men's side, Jerry Colangelo held the position from 2005 to 2021, tasked with revitalizing the program. Grant Hill took over in 2021 and currently serves in the role, having overseen the team that won gold at the Paris Olympics. Bird's hiring brings a similarly decorated former player into a key leadership position for the women.
Bird's playing career for Team USA spanned five Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles. She also had a historic career in the WNBA, winning four championships with the Seattle Storm. Her extensive experience at the highest levels is expected to resonate with current players.
The change in leadership structure follows a hard-fought gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the U.S. women secured its 10th gold medal by a narrow margin over France. The previous selection process by committee drew public criticism, particularly concerning the roster for the 2024 Games.
Bird's immediate priorities will include selecting a head coach for the next cycle and evaluating players for the 2026 World Cup qualifying window set for November 2025. Turnover is expected in the player pool following veteran retirements and the emergence of young talent from the college ranks.
Bird spoke on TODAY Thursday about her new role. Jimmer Fredette was also recently announced on social media as the managing director for the USA Basketball men's 3x3 program.
Bird last played for Team USA at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she also led the team as a flagbearer during the opening ceremony.
