Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird: Inside the Engagement of Sports’ Most Famous Power Couple
Who Is Megan Rapinoe Married To?
Megan Rapinoe, a trailblazing soccer icon and fierce advocate for social justice, is engaged to Sue Bird, an all-time WNBA great. Their love story captured the world’s attention, blending sports, activism, and LGBTQ+ visibility. But for those unfamiliar with their journey, Rapinoe and Bird have not yet tied the knot, although their engagement has been celebrated widely since 2020.
Rapinoe and Bird, both renowned athletes, first met during the 2016 Rio Olympics, and their connection quickly grew into a powerful relationship that has set a positive example for millions. Megan Rapinoe’s fierce dedication to equality and justice aligns perfectly with Bird’s stellar basketball career and outspoken activism. The question on many fans’ minds is: “When will they marry?” While the couple has not yet set a date, their relationship is a beacon of love and support.
How Did Megan Rapinoe Meet Sue Bird?
The dynamic duo first crossed paths backstage at the 2016 Rio Olympics, during a photo shoot for NBC. According to Rapinoe, she made a rather “dorky” first impression on Bird by awkwardly asking, “Oh, hey! Ready for your game?” Sue Bird, ever the quick-witted basketball star, responded with humor, but the moment left a lasting mark on both. That meeting sparked a relationship that has endured for over seven years, highlighting how two powerful athletes can maintain their individual greatness while supporting each other wholeheartedly.
In 2017, Sue Bird publicly came out and confirmed her relationship with Rapinoe during an interview with ESPNW, stating: “I’m gay. Megan’s my girlfriend.” This declaration solidified their status as an influential couple, both on and off the field. Rapinoe had publicly identified herself as gay in a 2012 interview, so their coming out became a moment of LGBTQ+ pride, solidifying their roles as icons for equality and love.
When Did Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Get Engaged?
The couple got engaged in October 2020. In a now-famous Instagram post, Rapinoe was captured proposing to Bird while the two were in an infinity pool. Bird’s simple yet profound response—extending her hand to Rapinoe—announced their commitment to the world. The engagement was met with widespread support, and fans have been eagerly awaiting their wedding plans. Although they have not rushed into planning their nuptials, Bird stated in a People Magazine interview, “We’ve always kind of known that this was forever”:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect and a deep understanding of each other’s individual achievements.
What Are Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe’s Wedding Plans?
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are in no rush to walk down the aisle. As they explained in interviews, the couple’s focus has been on their professional careers. Bird retired from the WNBA in 2022 after 20 seasons with the Seattle Storm, while Rapinoe announced her plans to retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2023 NWSL season:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. The two are excited to start this next chapter of their lives together and have hinted that once they both step away from their respective sports, wedding planning will take center stage.
Bird, ever the humorist, joked about her newfound freedom during retirement: “Really enjoyable kinda doing what I wanna do when I wanna do it,” much to Rapinoe’s playful jealousy:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. As they embrace a life without rigorous training schedules, fans are eager to see them celebrate their love in a grand ceremony that matches their larger-than-life personas.
How Sue Bird Supports Megan Rapinoe’s Activism
Bird has been an unwavering supporter of Rapinoe’s activism, particularly in moments when her partner faced intense public scrutiny. In 2019, when Rapinoe made headlines for stating that she would not visit the White House after the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team’s World Cup win, Bird publicly defended her with an article titled “So the President F—— Hates My Girlfriend,” which was published in The Players’ Tribune:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Bird’s support during such moments showcases the deep solidarity between the two, as they navigate not just their sports careers but their roles as activists.
Rapinoe’s advocacy extends far beyond the soccer field. She has been a prominent voice in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. Bird, in turn, has stood by her through every challenge, offering love and support, proving that their relationship transcends personal achievement—it’s built on shared values and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Megan Rapinoe’s Impact on LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sports
Both Rapinoe and Bird have played instrumental roles in raising the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. Their openness about their relationship, their public displays of affection, and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have helped to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. Rapinoe, in particular, has used her platform to speak out on a variety of social justice issues, including equal pay for women in sports and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Biden in 2022.
Quotes by Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird
| Source | Quote |
|---|---|
| The Players’ Tribune | “Megan, man … I’ll tell you what. You just cannot shake that girl. 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 on Megan Rapinoe:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| People Magazine | “We’ve always kind of known this was forever, so we aren’t necessarily in a rush” – Sue Bird:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| “Sue said YES!” – Megan Rapinoe, Instagram, October 2020:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
Sue Bird’s Career Highlights
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzanne Brigit Bird |
| Born | October 16, 1980 |
| Career | WNBA Player, Seattle Storm |
| WNBA Titles | 4 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 5 |
FAQs
Q: When did Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird get engaged?
A: The couple got engaged in October 2020.
Q: Where did Megan Rapinoe propose to Sue Bird?
A: Megan proposed to Sue Bird while they were vacationing, and the proposal was shared via Instagram in a poolside photo.
Q: What are Sue Bird’s career achievements?
A: Sue Bird is a four-time WNBA champion, five-time Olympic gold medalist, and widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Q: What are Megan Rapinoe’s advocacy efforts?
A: Megan is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, racial justice, and equal pay in sports.
References:
people.com
hollywoodlife.com
independent.co.uk
players.tribune
nbcsports.com
