Lesbian Power-Couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Announce Split After Nearly 10 Years Together

Women’s sports icons Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe have announced they are ending their relationship after nearly 10 years together.

The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post, saying the decision had been made with “so much love, respect, and care for each other”. They added: “We’ve shared a whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we’ll always carry with us.”

Bird retired from the WNBA in 2022 at the age of 41 after a remarkable career that included four championships, and has since continued building a presence in sports media and management. Rapinoe, one of the most recognisable figures in world football, retired in 2023 after winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups with the United States in 2015 and 2019. The pair became engaged in 2020 after a birthday celebration for Bird in Antigua.

Alongside the breakup announcement, Bird and Rapinoe also revealed that their women’s sports podcast, A Touch More, will be coming to an end. In their statement, they thanked the audience that had supported them, writing: “We are so grateful to this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are. So many of you have reminded us, again and again, why loving out loud matters.”

In a separate video message to listeners, Bird said the show would continue for six more special episodes before wrapping up for good. “That’ll be our farewell to you all and to this space,” she said.

Beyond their status as one of sport’s most visible lesbian couples, both women have remained influential figures in women’s athletics since retiring. They have also used their public platforms to speak out in support of trans inclusion in sport, most recently criticising the International Olympic Committee’s updated policy on trans and intersex women athletes. In comments reported this month, Bird described the framing of the issue as fearmongering rather than protection.

For many fans, the breakup marks the end of one of the most admired partnerships in modern sport. But the tone of their announcement made clear that, even in separation, the bond they shared remains deeply significant. That last point is an inference from the language of their joint statement.