The next thing Bird knew, the medal was being passed up and down the aisles so everyone could touch it. FIBA formally introduced Bird, the now-retired U.S. great, on Friday as the global ambassador for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup that will be played in Berlin. Bird takes the role from Pau Gasol, who served as ambassador for the 2022 women's tournament in Sydney. “What’s really symbolic about that moment is when you’re representing your country, it’s not just you,” Bird said in Manila, where the men’s World Cup is wrapping up this weekend. And I’m sure she’ll get others also to join her.”Bird is the only player with four women's World Cup gold medals.

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Persons: Sue Bird, Bird, Pau Gasol, “, it’s, ” Bird, “ It’s, It’s, —, ” Gasol, Sue, I'm, she’ll, Andreas Zagklis, ” Organizations: Athens Olympics, FIBA, women’s, USA Basketball's, WNBA, Tokyo, Basketball Hall of Fame, Tokyo Games, Seattle Storm, U.S . Locations: MANILA, Philippines, Berlin, Sydney, Manila, USA, Connecticut