In a significant announcement that has resonated across the sports and entertainment worlds, retired legends Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird have revealed they are ending their relationship after nearly a decade together. The power couple shared the news through a heartfelt joint statement on their Instagram accounts this past Friday.
A Decade-Long Partnership Comes to an End
The statement from the athletes read, "There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news. After a lot of thought, we've made the decision to separate as a couple." They emphasized that this was a mutual choice, adding, "This hasn't been an easy decision, but it's one we've made together, with so much love, respect, and care for each other."
Rapinoe and Bird first connected at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. Bird publicly came out as a lesbian in 2017, confirming at that time that she and Rapinoe were indeed a couple. Their engagement followed in 2020, though the two never proceeded to marriage.
Reflecting on Shared History and Future Plans
In their social media post, the pair reflected on their time together, stating, "We've shared a whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we'll always carry with us." They expressed gratitude for the support from their community, which has "held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are."
The separation also brings changes to their collaborative projects. The athletes confirmed that their popular podcast, A Touch More, will be winding down. However, they plan to release six special farewell episodes before concluding the show.
Individual Career Paths and Podcast Updates
In a personal update video on their YouTube channel, Rapinoe addressed fans directly, saying, "We put a lot of thought and care into this. It's a decision that we made together. We're still going to be there for all of you and for each other. It's just going to look and feel a little bit different."
Bird added clarification about the podcast's future, noting, "But we aren't going anywhere. We're going to do a little tradeoff hosting six more special episodes of 'A Touch More' that will be our farewell to you all and to this space." She also confirmed that her individual WNBA podcast, Birds Eye View, will return for a second season.
Looking ahead, Rapinoe announced plans to host a miniseries focused on the upcoming 2026 Women's World Cup, followed by the launch of her own solo podcast this summer.
Legacy of Two Sporting Icons
Both athletes have left indelible marks on their respective sports. Sue Bird, now 45, enjoyed a storied 19-season career with the Seattle Storm, capturing four WNBA championships. Internationally, she earned five Olympic gold medals with the United States national team.
Megan Rapinoe, 40, achieved similar heights in soccer. She secured a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics and was instrumental in winning the Women's World Cup in both 2015 and 2019 as part of the U.S. women's national soccer team.
Bird retired from the WNBA following the 2022 season, while Rapinoe concluded her National Women's Soccer League career the subsequent year. Their post-retirement lives have included advocacy work, media appearances, and their joint podcast venture, which now enters its final chapter as they navigate this personal transition.
