Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Announce Separation

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, two prominent retired athletes in soccer and basketball, announced their separation on Friday after nearly a decade together. The couple, who became engaged in October 2020, shared the news through a joint statement on Instagram, emphasizing the mutual respect that defined their relationship.

The statement detailed the challenges of the decision, reading, "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. 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." It continued, "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." Rapinoe, 40, and Bird first met backstage at a photo shoot during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where both competed for the United States. Although engaged, they never married.

The announcement also marked the end of their collaborative project, the podcast "A Touch More," which launched in summer 2024 and focused on sports and culture. "Getting to create A Touch More The Podcast and...