Sue Bird And Megan Rapinoe's Relationship Timeline, From 2016 Meeting To Engagement And 2026 Split

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe built one of the most talked-about relationships in sports, but their journey did not start smoothly and did not end the way many expected. They first met in 2016, started dating in 2017, got engaged in 2020, and after years together, they confirmed their split in April 2026. Over time, they shared big career wins, personal moments, and strong support for each other, which made their story feel loving to many fans around the world.

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe first met in 2016 and started dating in 2017

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe's story began in a very normal, even slightly awkward way. In 2016, both were part of a photoshoot around the Rio Olympics. They crossed paths backstage, and the first impression was not exactly perfect. Speaking to NBC in 2021, Megan Rapinoe remembered the moment clearly. “She was in her basketball uniform and she had her hair down,” she said. She tried to make a light comment, saying, “Oh, hey! Ready for your game?”

Sue Bird later joked about that moment, saying she found it funny but also a bit awkward. She recalled thinking the comment did not quite land the way it was meant to. Over time, they both laughed about it, with Bird even calling Rapinoe a “total dork” during that first meeting. At that time, there was no clear sign they would become a couple. But things slowly changed. By 2017, they had grown closer and started dating.

That same year, Sue Bird publicly shared her relationship in an interview with ESPNW. She said, “I’m gay. Megan’s my girlfriend … these aren’t secrets to people who know me.” She made it clear that she had always been open in her personal life with close people, even if she had not spoken about it publicly before. Megan Rapinoe had already come out in 2012. In an interview with The Sunday Magazine in 2020, she explained how important that step was for her. She said:

“I think that any time you hide even the smallest part of yourself, you’re not able to fully capture your potential."

Sue Bird supports Megan Rapinoe during big public moments in 2018 and 2019

As their relationship became public, they did not shy away from sharing moments together. In 2018, they appeared in ESPN’s Body Issue, where they spoke openly about body image and being athletes. Megan Rapinoe explained why the feature mattered to her. “It’s a celebration of athletes in the way that we look, the muscles, the scars,” she said. It was not just about photos, but about showing confidence and honesty.

In 2019, their relationship was tested in a different way when Rapinoe found herself in the middle of a public moment before the Women’s World Cup. She said she would not visit the White House if the team won. Then U.S. President Donald Trump responded publicly, saying, “Megan should WIN first before she TALKS.” During that time, Sue Bird stood strongly by her side. Writing in The Players’ Tribune, she praised Rapinoe’s personality and strength. “Megan, man … I’ll tell you what. You just cannot shake that girl,” Bird wrote. “She’s going to do her thing, at her own damn speed, to her own damn rhythm, and she’s going to apologize to exactly NO ONE for it.”

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe got engaged in 2020 but delayed wedding plans

In October 2020, they shared a big step in their relationship. Megan Rapinoe proposed, and they announced their engagement with a simple photo on Instagram. Fans expected wedding news soon, but that did not happen. In a 2022 interview with The Seattle Times, Sue Bird explained the reason in a very simple way, timing. “It’s funny. It’s more Megan. We’re on Megan’s schedule,” Bird said. “My schedule is open in the offseason. I got time. WNBA is only in the summer. I got time. The soccer schedule is a nightmare. They literally play all year,” she said. “If it was up to us, we would have done it a year ago.”

Even without a wedding, they continued to support each other’s careers. In 2021, after Sue Bird won another Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, Rapinoe shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “I am so proud of you @sbird10. As if I could love you any more. Congrats baby!” Their bond also showed in how they spoke about being role models. In 2022, Bird told E! News she hoped their visibility could help young people. 

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe confirm split in 2026 after years together

As time went on, both reached major moments in their careers. In July 2023, Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement from soccer. “It is with a deep sense of peace and gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game,” she wrote on Instagram. Sue Bird replied with support, writing:

“Congrats, baby!! That little girl is going to continue to do so much good in this world … I love you.”

In 2024, they were still seen together, attending the Paris Olympics. They watched games, spent time together, and even shared a kiss courtside during the women’s basketball gold medal game. It looked like things were still strong. But in April 2026, they shared a different update. In a joint Instagram statement, they confirmed they had decided to separate.

“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.”

They made it clear the decision came with care. “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.” Along with their relationship, they also confirmed that their joint podcast, “A Touch More,” would come to an end. After nearly a decade together, their journey closed in a calm and respectful way, showing the same honesty they had shared from the very beginning.

What are your thoughts on Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe's relationship journey and their decision to split in 2026? Let us know.

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