USA soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and former WNBA star Sue Bird have announced that they have split after nine years together.
The sporting power couple had been dating since 2017 after first meeting backstage at a photo shoot for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The athletes, both gold medal winners in their respective sports, got engaged in October 2020 but never tied the knot.
They confirmed that they were going their separate ways in a statement on Friday, insisting that it had not been an ‘easy decision.’
‘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,’ a statement read.
‘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.
USA soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and former WNBA star Sue Bird have split
‘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.’
The former couple launched their podcast, ‘A Touch More,’ in summer 2024, covering sports and the culture around it. They confirmed that following their shock split, they will also no longer be recording the show together.
‘Getting to create A Touch More: The Podcast and build a network around it has been a tremendous joy,’ their joint statement added.
‘The conversations, the laughter, the connection – it means more than we can put into words. While this chapter of doing the podcast together is ending, what we’ve built with you isn’t.
‘Thank you for being with us through all of it… it means the world to us.’
More to follow.
