The cheers, the spotlight, and the pressure– Sue Bird has seen it all. But the biggest stage yet might just be ahead. As the basketball world prepares to watch Bird enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the question on everyone’s mind isn’t just about the honor. It’s about who will shout the loudest for her: Megan Rapinoe, Bird’s partner, seems ready for the front row.
How Did Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Make Their Relationship Public?
When Sue Bird retired from the WNBA, she was easily one of the league’s most popular players. As a Seattle Storm legend and an inspiration to many, Bird always found herself in the center of attention– whether it was her moves on the court or moments from her life off it.
In 2017, Bird sat down with ESPNW and announced her relationship with Rapinoe. Although the couple went public that year, they’d actually been dating privately for about a year prior. “I’m gay,” she said. “Megan’s my girlfriend. … These aren’t secrets to people who know me. I don’t feel like I’ve not lived my life. I think people have this assumption that if you’re not talking about it, you must be hiding it, like it’s this secret. That was never the case for me.”
Since then, fans have followed the couple’s journey, catching their moments both big and small. Now that both are retired from their respective sports, it seems likely that each will try out new opportunities, wherever they may lead.
What Makes Megan Rapinoe Stand Out as Bird’s Partner?
Rapinoe, a California native, carved out an unforgettable career as a soccer player before hanging up her boots. Known for creative playmaking and deadly free kicks, she is an Olympic gold medalist, a world champion, and an inductee in the Shasta County Sports Hall of Fame.
Records from Team USA show that Rapinoe joined the National Women’s Soccer Team in 2006 and played in over two hundred international matches, eventually retiring in 2023. That year, she received a special send-off highlighting her impact on the game.
Rapinoe was a staple for the OL Reign (formerly Seattle Reign FC) in the National Women’s Soccer League. She also played overseas in Australia with Sydney FC and stints with the Seattle Sounders Women.
After joining the Seattle Reign in 2013, she led the team as the top scorer and picked up numerous NWSL Player of the Week and Month honors. She made several playoff appearances and celebrated an NWSL Shield in 2014.
Off the field, Rapinoe is just as busy. Active on Instagram, she’s a vocal supporter for LGBTQ+ rights, has penned the autobiography ‘One Life,’ and even hosts a podcast with Bird. Plus, she lands endorsements, linking up with brands that match her values.
How Did Bird and Rapinoe’s Relationship Reach the Next Level in 2020?
Although their dating story began in 2017, the couple went a step further in October 2020. That’s when Rapinoe proposed to Bird, a moment captured for the world to see. In the photo, Rapinoe is down on one knee by what appears to be an infinity pool.
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The love from fans poured in, with plenty of excitement building around their wedding plans. On social media, it’s pretty common to see Bird and Rapinoe backing each other, sometimes sharing snapshots of their life together. With Bird set for Hall of Fame induction, expect to see Rapinoe cheering loud from the crowd, supporting her longtime partner every step of the way.
