NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
WNBA legend Sue Bird and former US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe have announced they have separated after 10 years.
The couple, who got engaged in 2020 but never married, delivered the stunning news in a statement on social media on Friday.
“There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news. After much consideration, we have made the decision to separate as a couple,” their joint statement read.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Megan Rapinoe (L) and Sue Bird attend Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“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. We’ve shared a lifetime over the last decade, through big moments and in silence, and it’s something we’ll always carry with us.”
Rapinoe, 40, and Bird, 45, shared a podcast together, called “A Touch More,” which will end along with their relationship.
“We are so grateful for this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us and supported us exactly as we are. So many of you have reminded us time and time again why it’s important to love big,” the statement read.
“Creating A Touch More: The Podcast and building a network around it has been a tremendous joy. The conversations, the laughter, the connection—it means more than we can put into words. While this chapter of making the podcast together is coming to an end, what we’ve built with you is not.”
MEGAN RAPINOE SAYS GENO AURIEMMA HAS “ADDED RESPONSIBILITY” FOR POSITIVE REPRESENTATION BECAUSE HE’S WHITE
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe look on during the first quarter between USA and France in the men’s basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena on August 10, 2024. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports) (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
They said they are doing six more special episodes as a farewell to the audience in a video posted Friday on the podcast’s YouTube channel. Rapinoe and Bird were not together in the video, but were in separate rooms.
Bird already has her own podcast, “Bird’s Eye View,” which she said she will continue. Rapinoe said she will launch her own podcast later this summer. They launched the podcast in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The couple met during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Rapinoe was playing with the US women’s soccer team and Bird was playing for the US women’s basketball team at the time. They went public with their relationship in 2017.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird pose for a photo during the 2025 WNBA All Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 18, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
Bird retired from the WNBA in the 2022 season after a 21-year career. Rapinoe retired from the US women’s national soccer team in 2023.
“Thank you for being with us through it all … it means the world to us,” the statement read. “With so much love, Megan and Sue.”
