Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Announce Shocking Split After 10 Years Together

The iconic WNBA and USWNT stars have decided to end their relationship.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of intricately cracked and shattered glass, capturing the emotional fragility and complexity of a high-profile celebrity relationship ending.The split of two of the most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes in the world leaves their legion of fans heartbroken, but also reflective on the power of their decade-long relationship.Seattle Today

Retired WNBA star Sue Bird and retired U.S. women's national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe announced the end of their 10-year relationship in a joint statement posted by their production company Togethxr. The two athletes, who met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and went public with their relationship in 2017, said the decision was made with 'so much love, respect, and care for each other' after a lot of thought.

Why it matters

Bird and Rapinoe were one of the most high-profile LGBTQ+ couples in professional sports, using their platforms to advocate for equality and inspire others. Their split is sure to be met with sadness from their legions of fans, who have followed their relationship and joint business ventures over the past decade.

The details

Bird and Rapinoe launched their production company Togethxr in December 2022 and co-hosted a podcast called 'A Touch More.' In their statement, the couple said while their podcast collaboration is ending, 'what we've built with you isn't.' Bird is a WNBA legend who won four championships with the Seattle Storm, while Rapinoe is a two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist with the USWNT.

  • Bird and Rapinoe met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  • Bird publicly came out as gay in 2017.
  • Bird and Rapinoe posed together for ESPN The Magazine's 'Body Issue' in 2018.
  • Bird and Rapinoe announced their engagement on Instagram in October 2020.
  • Bird and Rapinoe launched their 'A Touch More' podcast in December 2022.

The players

Sue Bird

A retired WNBA star who spent her entire career with the Seattle Storm, winning four championships. She is a first-ballot inductee into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and a five-time Olympic gold medalist.

Megan Rapinoe

A retired U.S. women's national team star who won two World Cups (2015, '19) and one Olympic gold medal (2012). She is a USWNT legend with 203 caps, 63 goals, and 73 assists, and won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Togethxr

The production company founded by Bird and Rapinoe in December 2022, which hosted their 'A Touch More' podcast.

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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.”

— Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe

“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.”

— Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe

“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.”

— Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe

The takeaway

The split of Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, two of the most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes in the world, is sure to be met with sadness from their legions of fans. However, their joint statement emphasizes the 'love, respect, and care' they have for each other, and their commitment to continuing the community and conversations they've built together over the past decade.