Five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird has been appointed as the first managing director of the USA Basketball women's national team. This newly created position marks a significant shift in how the team selects its roster and coaching staff, mirroring the structure of the men's national team.
Bird will be responsible for assembling the team and coaching staff, a task previously handled by a committee. Her four-year term coincides with the Olympic cycle. Her responsibilities include selecting players for upcoming competitions, such as the FIBA World Cup in Germany next year, and choosing the team's coach.
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley expressed excitement about Bird's appointment, highlighting her strong leadership skills and experience in the sport. The decision follows discussions initiated after the 2021 Olympics, and the change to a managing director position had been under consideration for several years.
Bird acknowledged the pressure associated with the role, emphasizing her goal to leverage her playing experience to build a successful team. While she has already begun considering potential coaches, she has not set a deadline for making the decision.