NEW YORK — Sue Bird is ready to welcome the next generation of American basketball stars to Team USA. Bird, who was announced Thursday as the managing director for the U.S. women’s national team, signaled her openness to bring Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and other American young talent into the fold as she takes on her role.

WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Sue Bird was named to the newly created position of managing director at USA Basketball, it announced Thursday. In her new role, Bird will be responsible for "selecting both the player rosters and coaching staff for both the Olympic team and the World Cup team," per The Athletic.