Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Announce Separation After Nearly a Decade

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, one of the most recognizable couples in sports, announced their separation on Friday, April 17, 2026, ending a relationship that spanned nearly a decade.

The pair shared the news in a joint statement posted on Instagram, along with a video released on their YouTube channel. They described the breakup as a mutual decision, emphasizing that it was made with “love, respect, and care for each other.” Rapinoe added that the change reflects personal growth rather than conflict, saying they are “evolving into something new” both individually and in how they relate to each other.

Rapinoe, a former U.S. women’s national soccer team star, and Bird, a retired WNBA legend, first met during the 2016 Rio Olympics. They became engaged in October 2020 and had since been viewed as a high-profile couple known for their advocacy on LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.

The separation will also affect their joint media projects. Their podcast, “A Touch More,” will not continue in its current weekly format. Instead, the show will conclude with six final episodes, with each host recording three episodes individually.

Both athletes are continuing with separate professional plans. Bird is set to return with a second season of her solo podcast, “Bird’s Eye View,” later this month. Rapinoe announced she is developing a new podcast miniseries focused on the 2026 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for release this summer.

The announcement comes as both transition into post-retirement careers. Bird retired from professional basketball in 2022, and Rapinoe retired from soccer in 2023. Their relationship had been widely followed both for their success in sports and their public advocacy work.