Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Announce Breakup After Nearly a Decade

The retired athletes, who got engaged in 2020, said they made the 'difficult decision' to separate.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering sequins, conceptually representing the glamour and heartbreak of a celebrity relationship ending.The breakup of Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, one of sports' most prominent LGBTQ+ couples, ends a nearly decade-long relationship that had inspired many fans.Las Vegas Today

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, the retired U.S. women's soccer star and WNBA legend, have announced they are breaking up after nearly a decade together. The two shared the news in a joint Instagram post, saying they made the 'difficult decision' to separate after a lot of thought. Rapinoe and Bird, who got engaged in 2020, also said they will no longer be hosting their joint podcast 'A Touch More' together.

Why it matters

Rapinoe and Bird were one of the most high-profile LGBTQ+ couples in sports, and their breakup is sure to disappoint many of their fans who saw them as inspirational role models. Their split also marks the end of their joint podcast and production company, which centered stories of 'revolutionaries who move culture forward.'

The details

In their joint Instagram post, Rapinoe and Bird said they made the decision to separate with 'so much love, respect, and care for each other.' They said they've 'shared a whole life over the last decade' and are grateful for their supportive community. The two also announced they will no longer be hosting their podcast 'A Touch More' together, though they plan to do six more special farewell episodes.

  • Rapinoe, 40, and Bird, 45, got engaged in October 2020 while celebrating Bird's 40th birthday in Antigua.
  • Rapinoe and Bird launched their joint podcast 'A Touch More' in August 2024.
  • Rapinoe and Bird announced their breakup in an Instagram post on April 17, 2026.

The players

Megan Rapinoe

A retired U.S. women's soccer star who played for the U.S. women's national team and was known for her activism and outspoken personality.

Sue Bird

A retired WNBA legend who played for the Seattle Storm and was known for her leadership and skills on the basketball court.

A Touch More

The production company that Rapinoe and Bird launched in 2022 to 'center stories of revolutionaries who move culture forward.'

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What they’re saying

“There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news. After a lot of thought, we've made the decision to separate as a couple.”

— Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird

“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 whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we'll always carry with us.”

— Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird

“It's going to look a little bit different moving forward, obviously. Our relationship was such a huge part of this podcast for you guys, but also for us. From our bickers to 'Are you a Megan? Are you a Sue?', all the little funny stories that we shared and were a part of in between.”

— Megan Rapinoe

“We are both really sad to be losing this space. It's been so meaningful to us, especially post-retirement, to be able to have the space to share not just together, but with you as well.”

— Megan Rapinoe

“We aren't going anywhere. We're going to do a little trade off, hosting six more special episodes of 'A Touch More' that'll be our farewell to you all and to this space.”

— Sue Bird

What’s next

Rapinoe and Bird said they will host six more special episodes of their podcast 'A Touch More' as a farewell to their listeners before ending the show.

The takeaway

Rapinoe and Bird's breakup is a reminder that even the most high-profile celebrity couples can face relationship challenges, and that ending a long-term partnership is never easy, even for public figures. Their decision to be transparent about their split and continue their podcast for a limited time shows their commitment to maintaining a respectful relationship post-breakup.