Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe declare their separation via social media.
Retired athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe revealed on social media Friday that they have ended their relationship after a decade together.
“There truly is no easy or seamless way to convey this news,” they stated in an Instagram post. “After considerable reflection, we have decided to part ways as a couple. This has not been a simple choice, but it is one we have made together, with immense love, respect, and care for one another.”
Bird, 45, secured four WNBA championships during her 19 seasons in the league, all with the Seattle Storm. She also earned five Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. The former UConn standout was the top draft pick by the WNBA in 2002 after clinching two NCAA titles with the Huskies.
Rapinoe, 40, was a member of the United States women’s soccer team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. She also claimed a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics with Team USA. Bird concluded her WNBA career after the 2022 season, while Rapinoe retired from the NWSL at the end of the 2023 season.
“We have experienced a full life together over the past decade, through significant events and in quieter moments, and that is something we will always cherish,” Bird and Rapinoe expressed. “We are incredibly thankful for this amazing community that has supported us, embraced us, and accepted us just as we are.”
Bird, who was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame last year, currently serves as the managing director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team.
Bird and Rapinoe also pursued business ventures together, including a podcast titled “A Touch More.”
“Creating a network around it has brought us immense joy,” they noted regarding the podcast. “The discussions, the laughter, the connections – it holds more significance than we can articulate. While this chapter of our podcast collaboration is concluding, what we have established with you continues.”
