Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird Break Up After Almost 10 Years of Dating

But while they were cheering each other on as they proved their dominance in their respective sports, the former couple acknowledged the support they received from teammates, friends and fans throughout their relationship.

“We are so grateful to this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are,” they continued. “So many of you have reminded us, again and again, why loving out loud matters.” 

And though there was “no smooth or easy way to share” the news of their breakup, they emphasized to their followers, “Thank you for being with us through all of it…it means the world to us.”

That community support surrounded the couple, too, when Sue publicly came out in 2017 while announcing her relationship with Megan, who had previously come out in 2012.

“I’m gay. Megan’s my girlfriend,” she told ESPN at the time. “These aren’t secrets to people who know me.”

“People have this assumption that if you’re not talking about it, you must be hiding it, like it’s this secret,” Sue continued. “That was never the case for me. It’s happening when it’s happening because that’s what feels right.”

And in the time since announcing their relationship, the pair—who got engaged in 2020 and launched their A Touch More production company after their respective retirements in 2022—often shared what they hope others see in their partnership.

“Hopefully they just see two people who are in love,” Megan told E! News in 2022, “but are also living their lives authentically.”

Meanwhile, Sue detailed her favorite part of Megan. 

“What impresses me most about Megan is her willingness to put others first,” she added in their joint interview. “She really is someone who is clearly willing to use her platform and her privilege to shed light on all these other issues.”

Megan and Sue aren’t the only star couple to call it quits this year. Read on for more celebs who have recently broken up.