A support structure carries a thrust load of a transmission which includes a torque converter having an impeller and a turbine opposite to each other with a stator therebetween. A thrust needle roller bearing having needle rollers arranged in two rows is provided at, at least one of places respectively between the stator and the impeller and between the stator and the turbine. The support structure carrying a thrust load of the transmission, a method of manufacturing the support structure and the thrust needle roller bearing are thus obtained, with an improvement in inflow and outflow of a lubricating oil, a reduction of the differential slip of the needle rollers, and an improvement in strength durability.