Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Announce Separation on Joint Podcast WNBA legend Sue Bird and soccer icon Megan Rapinoe revealed their decision to separate as a couple on their podcast 'A Touch More (ATM),' expressing gratitude for their shared journey and future endeavors. The announcement marks a significant personal development for the widely admired athletes. Basketball icon Sue Bird and soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe, two of the most celebrated athletes in American women's sports, have announced their separation. The personal news was shared on Friday during their joint podcast, 'A Touch More (ATM),' with the announcement later posted to social media. Opening the episode, Rapinoe stated, 'Hi everyone, there's really no smooth or easy way to start this episode off. We are coming here to share a little bit of personal news: We have decided to separate as a couple.' Bird added, 'And, we have shared so much of our life, so much of our relationship with you. So that's why we wanted to come on here and share this, too.' Reflecting on their time together, Rapinoe remarked, 'These past 10 years have given us so much and launching this podcast and sharing this space has been one of our favorite things we have done together.' She explained that the podcast would be changing, as their relationship was a significant element. 'We are both really sad to be losing this space,' she continued. 'It's been so meaningful to us, especially post-retirement, to have this space to share not just together but with you as well.' Bird confirmed that following this week's episode, she and Rapinoe would co-host six more special episodes as a 'farewell' to their listeners. Looking ahead, the pair also revealed future podcasting endeavors. Bird's solo podcast, 'Bird's Eye View,' is set to return for its second season, while Rapinoe will host a special World Cup edition of 'ATM' this summer, coinciding with the international soccer tournament. Rapinoe emphasized the care taken in their decision: 'I just want to say that I hope you know we put a lot of thought and care into this. It's a decision that we made together. We're still going to be there for all of you and for each other — it's just going to look and feel a little bit different. We truly are evolving new to each other, to ourselves and to all of you, and we just wanted to say thank you for sharing this space with us and giving us this space to find ourselves in a different way through this podcast.' Bird expressed profound gratitude, stating, 'Thank you for holding us all these years, for cheering for us, believing in us, following us from playing to retiring and now beyond. We are so, so, so grateful and we hope you'll continue with us on this next journey as well.' Bird, a legendary WNBA player, concluded her illustrious 22-season career with the Seattle Storm, securing four championships and five Olympic gold medals. Known for her enduring presence and leadership, Bird retired in 2022 and later became a minority owner of the Storm. Her significant impact in Seattle was further recognized with a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Rapinoe, a prominent advocate for gender equity in sports, was instrumental in the U.S. women’s national team’s pursuit of equal pay. Her remarkable career ended in 2024 after an injury during the National Women’s Soccer League final. A decade-long veteran of the Reign, Rapinoe is a World Cup champion, having contributed to wins in 2015 and 2019, and secured Olympic gold in 2012. Her influence extends beyond sports; she was recognized on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2020 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. Rapinoe has also been a vocal activist against racial injustice, LGBTQ discrimination, and inequality. The couple, widely respected for their impact both on and off the field, had not publicly commented on their relationship status prior to the podcast announcement. The news of their separation has come as a surprise to many, given their prominent public profile and shared journey