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WNBA star Sue Bird has opened up about the moment she realized her nearly decade-long relationship with soccer legend Megan Rapinoe had come to an end.
The couple, who stunned fans by announcing their split in April after almost 10 years together, first crossed paths backstage at a photoshoot during the 2016 Rio Olympics. They got engaged in October 2020 but never officially married.
In a candid interview with Women’s Health, Bird shared insights into their separation. “It’s like anything,” she said.
“You grow, you change, you start having conversations about that in your relationship. It just got to a point where we realized it might not be working anymore.”
Bird admitted the breakup was difficult, especially since they had “definitely planned on being together forever.” However, she was quick to emphasize that there is “no bad blood” between them and that they remain on “great terms.”
Following their split, Bird and Rapinoe confirmed they would no longer continue their “A Touch More” podcast, which they had relaunched in the summer of 2024. Bird acknowledged that recording the podcast in the weeks after their breakup was “a little awkward,” but added, “The chemistry and the interaction between us, that was still very real. It really is rooted in an actual love for each other.”
The reality of their separation hit home for Bird when her young nieces began asking about Rapinoe’s absence. Close friends and family were informed before the couple made their public announcement on April 17, which read in part: “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… and that is something we’ll always carry with us.”
Reflecting on Rapinoe’s profound impact on her life, Bird expressed optimism about the future. “There’s no way I am who I am without being with Megan,” she said.
“But now that it’s over, I get to take this kind of, like, newish, grown-ish, healed-ish version of myself and be out in the world again. It’s exciting, it’s scary, it’s all of it.”