Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird

Latest Episodes:

Stephanie White on Building Trust with Caitlin Clark & the CBA Offseason Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

We're back this week with another episode with a WNBA coach: Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White! Stephanie and Sue dive into so much, including Steph's current approach to the offseason with the CBA still in negotiations and her thoughts on the league's expansion. They also discuss Steph's playing career, from achieving Miss Indiana to competing in the early WNBA years. Then, they talk through how Steph became a coach, and each step of her coaching career leading to building trust and relationships with Fever stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. So much great stuff in this episode, you don't want to miss it!

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Sandy Brondello on Leaving the New York Liberty, Coaching Philosophies, and Her Basketball Career Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

This week, we welcome our first-ever head coach to the show: Sandy Brondello! Sandy opens up about so much with us, taking us back through her international and WNBA playing career (which included playing with Sue on the Seattle Storm), when she first started playing basketball, and more. She also dives into so many aspects of coaching in the WNBA, including what her coaching philosophies are, her approach to dealing with pressure, what’s she’s learned from coaching stars like Diana Turasi and Breanna Stewart, and her multiple WNBA championships. She also shares her thoughts around her departure from the New York Liberty this offseason. You don’t want to miss it!

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Kelsey Mitchell on Her Leg Injury and the Indiana Fever’s Impressive Playoff Run Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s episode we welcome Indiana Fever point guard Kelsey Mitchell!

To begin the episode Sue and Tommy Alter discuss some of the greatest college players of all-time and what the future landscape of NCAA basketball might look like in ‘Sue’s View.’

Then, Kelsey and Sue dive into so much from both Kelsey and the Fever’s 2025 season. Kelsey opens up about what happening during her frightening leg injury in the playoffs (Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces) and what was going through her mind. She also discusses what her approach was at the beginning of the season that led her to make such a statement on the court this year, which included makings All-WNBA First Team. Then, Kelsey shares the impact of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and all of the Fever’s vets as teammates and the pace of play connection between her, Caitlin, and AB. She also takes us through her mindset of what it takes to be an effective scorer and how she trains her speed working with football coaches. Sue and Kelsey also, of course, talk through the Fever’s impressive playoff run and the injuries the team dealt with. You don’t want to miss it!

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Chelsea Gray on the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty and Winning Her Fourth WNBA Championship Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

This week, we welcome Chelsea Gray of the 2025 WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces!

To start the show, Sue and Tommy Alter break down what it takes to become a dynasty in sports and run through the list of WNBA dynasties.

Then, Sue and Chelsea discuss ALL things Las Vegas Aces: their 2025 WNBA Championship, the team’s playoff run against the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, the Aces rough start to the season including the 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx, A’ja Wilson’s text to the group chat after that loss and how to took time for the team to gel, and so much more.

Chelsea also explains what winning her FOURTH championship means to her, which one of her four was the hardest, and her special relationship with head coach Becky Hammon. She also opens up about what it’s like having Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, and A’ja as teammates, shares what her definitions of a dynasty and “clutch gene” are, and goes in-depth about closing out Game 4 of the Finals. Sue and Chelsea close out the conversation but putting Chelsea in a GM’s shoes and discussing how she would approached this unprecedented offseason.

It’s the Point Gawd herself - you don’t want to miss this conversation!

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

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Nneka Ogwumike on WNBA CBA Negotiations, Her All-Star Season, and the Seattle Storm Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

This week’s episode features Bird’s Eye View’s live show at the LWTSUMMIT at TechFutures with Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm.

Sue starts off the episode talking with Tommy Alter about Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, A’ja Wilson’s game-winner, and how the Mercury can possibly avoid a sweep.

Then Nneka and Sue have a candid conversation about everything happening in the league, including the upcoming CBA negotiations, Napheesa Collier’s comments regarding commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and Nneka’s role as the the WNBA Players Association President. Nneka explains what will be at stake in the negotiations and what the players will be looking for in the new CBA contract from salaries, to the importance of improved facilities, and more. Nneka and Sue then discuss Nneka’s all-star season the with Storm during which she playing all 47 games including playoffs, as well as new tech in the league that helps Nneka monitor her health and fitness. They also end things with a first-ever Bird’s Eye View game, “Who Said It?” It’s a truly informative conversation that you don’t want to miss!

Photo by Daniel Becker via Getty Images

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A WNBA Finals Preview, Phee’s Press Conference, and the Referee Dilemma with Ryan Ruocco Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

We have a very special episode this week with the one and only Ryan Ruocco! We talk all things happening in the WNBA, including our reaction to Napheesa Collier’s press conference, before getting into a really great discussion about referees and how WNBA games should be officiated.

Ryan then shares all the different areas of growth that he’s seen in the WNBA since he started calling games in 2013, his favorite playoff and Finals moments that he’s gotten to cover, and the origin of his iconic “You Bet!” call.

We then recap the semifinals and our takeaways about the Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Minnesota Lynx, before previewing the Finals match between the Aces and Mercury.

Link to vote for ‘Bird’s Eye View’ in the Signal Awards: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/shows/genre/sports

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Veronica Burton on Her Most Improved Player Award Season & Building the Valkyries Incredible Culture Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

This week we welcome Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries, the winner of the 2025 Most Improved Player Award!

Before the interview Sue chats with Tommy Alter about the WNBA semifinals and shares her thoughts on the Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever heading into Game 3s.

Then, Veronica joins and shares so much with us. She discusses all things Golden State Valkyries including what it was like joining an expansion team, Valhalla and the fanbase, making the playoffs in the organization’s inaugural year, and head coach Natalie Nakase. Veronica also shares lessons she learned during her college career and Northwestern and her first few seasons in the WNBA on the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings. She talks about what she thinks makes her a great defender, what went into her being able to achieve the Most Improved Player award, and lots more.

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Aliyah Boston on the Fever Making a Playoff Run & Playing With Caitlin Clark + Sue's Playoff Recap Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we welcome Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston to ‘Bird’s Eye View’!

Before Aliyah’s conversation with Sue, Sue recaps the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries, and Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty.

Then Sue and Aliyah dive deep into her life and career. They discuss what it was like growing up on Saint Thomas island and making her way to playing for the University of South Carolina. Aliyah explains what her relationship with Dawn Staley was like in school, and how it’s developed into her professional career. Aliyah also explains her development in her game as a playmaker and a post player. She also shares what it was like meeting Caitlin Clark, what it’s like being her teammate, and how their relationship on the court has grown. After last year’s playoff exit, Aliyah explains how the Fever had a target on them, and how they want to make a deeper playoff run this year (which they just accomplished upsetting the Dream to make the semifinals.) You don’t want to miss this episode!

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Gabby Williams on Doing It All For the Storm & the France National Team, Plus Sue's Playoff Preview Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

This week we welcome Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm to 'Bird's Eye View!' Aka the "French Army Knife." Sue and Gabby discuss so much, including how Gabby began her athletic career as a track star - even competing in the Olympic Trials at the age of 15. They the discuss Gabby's career at UConn, playing for head coach Geno Auriemma, and what life lessons she learned from UConn's program. They then dive into her professional journey, including getting drafted by the Chicago Sky and her suspension from the Sky a few years into her career. Gabby shares how playing in Europe was a real turning point for her, and explains her journey of getting the keys to the French National Team. She gets into all the details on "prioritization" and what she wants for the future of both WNBA and FIBA basketball. They also get into some real hoop talk about how Gabby can do it all on the basketball court before Gabby talks about the Seattle Storm's season. Much more is discussed as well, you don't want to miss this episode!

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Satou Sabally on Leveling Up With the Phoenix Mercury & Her Journey From Germany to the WNBA Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

WNBA star Satu Sabally, known as the league's "Unicorn," joins Sue Bird to share her incredible journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s most versatile and dynamic players. Satou opens up about her breakout 2023 season, which saw her earn a spot on the WNBA All-Star First Team and finish fifth in MVP voting. She also reflects on her German roots, her transition to the U.S., and the sacrifices that shaped her career.

In this episode, we get into everything—from her rookie struggles and learning the physicality of the WNBA to her decision to request a trade to the Phoenix Mercury. Satou breaks down her personal growth, overcoming injuries, and the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. Plus, she shares her thoughts on team chemistry with Phoenix’s Big Three and her goals for the 2025 season.

Whether you’re a die-hard WNBA fan or simply love hearing stories of perseverance and success, this episode is for you.

Don’t miss out—hit that follow button for more exclusive WNBA content with new episodes every Friday!

00:00 - Intro

01:07 - Sue’s View

02:47 - Playoff Race Insights

06:50 - Resting Players Strategy

09:23 - Liberty Team Concerns

12:25 - Alyssa Thomas, Phee, A'ja MVP Cases

18:02 - Regular Season Impact on MVP

21:30 - Satou Interview

27:07 - Growing Up in a Big Family

31:54 - Playing Pro in Germany

36:48 - Choosing Oregon for College

40:15 - College Recruitment Insights

42:51 - Adjusting to College Basketball

46:17 - Playing with Sabrina Ionescu

48:59 - Trio Success at Oregon

52:25 - 2020 NCAA Tournament Cancellation Impact

54:02 - Leaving College Early

55:33 - Entering the WNBA Bubble

58:58 - Adjusting to WNBA Physicality

1:05:54 - Satou's Breakout in the 2023 Season

1:08:38 - Olympics and Shoulder Injury

1:14:13 - Requesting a Trade

1:18:10 - Current Game Style

1:19:46 - New Trio and Roster Dynamics

1:25:07 - Defining Success for the Mercury

1:26:15 - Returning to Dallas Experience

1:27:08 - Wrapping Up with Satou

1:27:51 - Outro

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