Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Announce End of Decade-Long Partnership

On Friday, former WNBA star Sue Bird and former United States women's soccer team player Megan Rapinoe posted a joint Instagram statement confirming that their romantic relationship, which began roughly ten years ago, has ended. They described the decision as mutual and made with “love, respect, and care for each other.”

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Sue Bird, 45, retired after a 19-season WNBA career with the Seattle Storm in 2022, winning four league titles, five Olympic gold medals, and two NCAA championships at UConn. She was the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft, entered the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2023, and now serves as managing director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team.

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Megan Rapinoe, 40, concluded her professional soccer career at the end of the 2023 NWSL season. She helped the United States capture Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019 and earned an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Together they co-hosted the podcast “A Touch More,” which they described as a “network” for conversation and community.

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• 2002: Bird selected No. 1 in the WNBA draft.

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• 2015 & 2019: Rapinoe part of U.S. World Cup-winning squads.

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• 2022-2023: Bird retires from the WNBA; Rapinoe retires from the NWSL and the duo launch “A Touch More.”

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• 2024 (Friday): Public announcement of separation.

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In the Instagram post, Bird and Rapinoe thanked the “incredible community” that supported them, noting that their partnership had provided “laughter, connection, and joy.” They affirmed that while their romantic relationship has concluded, the professional collaborations and community ties they built will continue.

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• “There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news,” — Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe

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• “After a lot of thought, we've made the decision to separate as a couple.” — Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe

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• “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.” — Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe

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• “We are so grateful for this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are.” — Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe

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The separation of two high-profile athletes who have been open about their long-term partnership highlights the visibility of personal relationships in elite sport and may shape fan and sponsor perceptions of such transitions. Their continued involvement in the “A Touch More” network may affect how athletes' personal narratives are presented in sports media.

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Bird will remain managing director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team. Rapinoe has not announced new professional plans. Both indicated that the “A Touch More” platform will persist, possibly in solo or restructured formats.

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