Sue Bird to join NBC as WNBA studio analyst

The Hall of Famer will also host feature stories for the network's 30th season coverage.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange colors overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-angled visual representation of the sport.Sue Bird's transition from legendary WNBA player to insightful NBC analyst promises to bring a fresh, artistic perspective to the network's coverage of the league's 30th season.Seattle Today

Sue Bird, the four-time WNBA champion and 13-time All-Star, will join NBC Sports as a studio analyst and feature host for the network's coverage of the WNBA's 30th season. Bird, who played her entire 19-year career with the Seattle Storm, will provide analysis and host behind-the-scenes stories about the league on NBC and Peacock.

Why it matters

Sue Bird is one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history, and her addition to NBC's broadcast team brings unparalleled expertise and star power to the network's coverage of the women's professional basketball league. As the WNBA celebrates its 30th anniversary, Bird's involvement will help drive interest and engagement with the sport.

The details

Bird, who was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, will serve as a studio analyst and host a series of feature stories for NBC and Peacock throughout the WNBA season. The network's broadcasts will also feature a return of the iconic 'Roundball Rock' theme song that was used during NBC's previous WNBA coverage from 1997 to 2002.

  • Bird's rookie season with the Seattle Storm was in 2002, which was the last year NBC covered the WNBA until now.
  • The WNBA's 30th season begins on May 8, 2026.

The players

Sue Bird

A Hall of Famer who played her entire 19-year WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, winning four championships and making 13 All-Star teams. She is the league's all-time leader in assists, starts, and minutes played.

Betsy Riley

The Senior Vice President and WNBA Coordinating Producer of NBC Sports, who praised Bird's unmatched knowledge of the game and ability to bring fans closer to the sport.

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What they’re saying

“I've been circling broadcasting for a long time now. Given NBC's history and legacy and where the WNBA is now, I am excited to be part of it.”

— Sue Bird

“There is no more accomplished player in the history of the WNBA and arguably in all of women's sports than Sue Bird. Sue's knowledge of the game is unmatched and will bring fans closer to the sport they love, both through analysis and storytelling.”

— Betsy Riley, Senior Vice President and WNBA Coordinating Producer of NBC Sports

What’s next

NBC Sports will air more than 20 WNBA games across the regular season, playoffs, and WNBA Finals this year, with Bird providing analysis and feature stories throughout the network's coverage.

The takeaway

Sue Bird's addition to NBC's WNBA broadcast team represents a significant coup for the network as it looks to elevate the profile of the women's professional basketball league during its 30th anniversary season. Bird's unparalleled playing career and expertise will provide viewers with unique insights and storytelling that should engage both longtime fans and new audiences.