Sports icons Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird have announced their separation after nearly ten years together, marking the end of one of the most high-profile relationships in women’s sports.
In a joint statement shared on social media, the two Olympic gold medalists said the decision was made mutually and with “love, respect, and care,” reflecting on the life they built together since beginning their relationship in 2016. They went public in 2017 and became engaged in 2020.
Alongside their separation, Rapinoe and Bird confirmed they will also conclude their joint podcast, A Touch More, which relaunched in 2024 and focused on women’s sports, social issues, and equality. As a farewell, both athletes plan to host a series of final episodes individually.
Throughout their careers, both Rapinoe and Bird have been influential figures not only in sports but also in advocacy, using their platforms to champion causes such as equal pay, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Rapinoe, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, remains one of the most recognizable figures in global soccer. Bird, a four-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm and a five-time Olympic gold medalist, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.
Their relationship has long been celebrated as a symbol of visibility and representation in sports, and their announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and the wider sports community.
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