On Feb. 22, Sue Bird, Noelle Quinn, and General Manager Talisa Rhea gave a press conference about Bird's return at the Pacific Science Center.

"We're in our champion center, right next to the beautiful new arena... celebrating Sue coming back for the season in the 2022 year with the Storm," said Rhea. "Sue is Storm basketball. She has been Storm basketball and really represents this franchise in so many different ways.

"On the court, she's the best point guard in the league — in history. Everything she does from her individual ability, but also the way that she makes her teammates better, she makes our whole organization better, and really sets the standard for excellence and the championship culture that we have here with the Storm."

Rhea also mentioned how Bird was one of the most decorated basketball players in history, and how she has assisted 27% of all Storm points (including the four years she was not on the court with the Storm). Bird's high rate of assists shows the impact of empowering Bird's teammates to become successful.

Head coach Noelle Quinn echoed the words of the general manager and talked about how excited she was for Bird to return to the Seattle Storm for another season.

"Just to be able to be alongside of her, coaching here in Seattle with her, it's amazing to... understand what she's done with her career," said Quinn. "I'm extremely proud and honored to be a part of that, and... what she's able to accomplish on the basketball court over the course of her career."

Quinn continued: "She's been an amazing example for me — for women in general — and for everyone who enjoys the sport of basketball... I know [this season is] going to be her finale, but I'm not even thinking about that. I'm thinking about how competitive she is, and how ready she is to get back on the floor and just get us back to where we need to be."

When Bird spoke at the press conference, she described how it's an honor to hear people talk about the city of Seattle and Storm basketball, and how she's synonymous with the things the team has done both on and off the court.

Bird stated she was excited to be playing with the Storm for another season, and that she's looking forward to playing in the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena. Bird stated that the new arena was not the main reason for her return, although it may have motivated her. Additionally, her personal health was a factor in deciding whether to return.

"I think it's assumed [this will] be my last [season], and I do believe all arrows are pointing in that direction for some reason," said Bird.

Did the chant do the trick?
The 2021 WNBA basketball season was the first time Bird began toying with the idea of it being her last, and she began conversing with various athletes about their last seasons.

"When the final game [of 2021] came, and when the final buzzer went off, I knew immediately I was like, 'That could've been it,'" said Bird.

"And then the fans chanted, and I think it just gave me this whole other perspective on things that, you know, I never thought that this was just about me, but that made me realize, this decision is not just about me."

For three days following the final 2021 Storm game, Bird went back and forth about how she felt regarding returning to play again. She very quickly decided that she wanted to return; she contacted her trainer and informed the team about potentially returning, but she had a few months to decide if the decision felt right, which it did.

"The truth is, you know not to put it all on the fans, but if that chant hadn't happened, I don't know if I'd be sitting here, so I really want to make this about a celebration for everyone. It's not just about me, and I don't think my career has ever been just about me. So I would love for it to be a celebration of all things Seattle Storm," said Bird.