Olympic champions Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe have played pivotal roles in elevating women’s sports to mainstream prominence, igniting discussions around equal pay and inclusivity. Now that they have transitioned into retirement, both are seeking to find new ways to keep these important conversations alive.
Bird, who wrapped up her illustrious career in 2022 as the only player in WNBA history to secure a championship over three decades, and Rapinoe, who led the U.S. women’s soccer team to two World Cup victories and a 2012 Olympic gold medal before retiring in 2023, are set to delve deeper into women’s sports on their podcast. This platform aims to explore the intersection of sports with politics, equality, and inclusion.
In a recent interview with “Meet the Press,” the duo discussed their podcast titled “A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe.” The show debuted in 2020 and made its comeback this summer. Alongside soccer player Alex Morgan, a veteran of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and soccer legend Mia Hamm, as well as basketball icon Dawn Staley, the podcast serves as a venue for Bird and Rapinoe to extend the dialogue they initiated about equality in women’s athletics.
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Bird and Rapinoe expressed their hope that these discussions will promote further investment in women’s sports to ensure that funding aligns with the skill and talent of female athletes. Rapinoe noted that there has been a positive shift in recent years, largely due to athletes using their voices to advocate for change.
Reflecting on their past experiences, Rapinoe recalled the excitement of packed stadiums when Bird played during the UW’s Final Four in the early 2000s. She emphasized that the U.S. women’s national team has long been a source of pride with its success in global competitions.
“We can see that the investment aligns with what fans want and demand. It’s something that has always been requested,” she explained.
Now engaged since 2020, Bird and Rapinoe shared that stepping away from their life as athletes has allowed them to redirect their focus and energy.
“There’s always been a conversation about readiness, whether for practice, a game, or a tournament. It has been refreshing to let that go. However, replacing that routine has been the most significant challenge,” Bird admitted.
The advocacy they have cultivated outside of sports has opened doors for their future endeavors. Both icons have long championed the cause for equal pay among female competitors.
“We were fortunate to have the careers we enjoyed, and to be frank, to earn the income we did, which enabled us to have opportunities in retirement that many athletes our age did not have at the time,” Bird reflected.
Bird emphasized that by sharing their experiences in media, she and Rapinoe aspire to create pathways for young female athletes to pursue careers beyond their sporting days.
“Retired athletes can now look to our journey and see the possibilities ahead,” Bird said, expressing her desire to inspire younger athletes to “see it and be it.”
Bird admitted that it can be challenging to convey to others the true potential of women’s sports and their economic viability.
“For a long time, we were overlooked, and yet we flourished without significant investments,” Bird observed. “Sometimes, it’s worth reconsidering the stakeholders you aim to attract, asking them if they want to be seen as forward-thinking. Investment now will lead to future success.”
Rapinoe shared her vision for future female athletes to engage and enjoy their sports as their authentic selves.
“I’ve found that having a space where I can be completely me is vital, and I envision extending that same freedom to others,” Rapinoe stated.
“With our considerable reach and influence, including appearances on programs like ‘Meet the Press,’ I want people to understand the importance of authenticity,” she added.
Bird and Rapinoe encouraged aspiring young athletes to leverage their platforms while emphasizing the importance of keeping sports as the primary focus.
“The key is to prioritize your sport, as it will be your foundation,” Bird advised.
“I’ve never seen LeBron James take a break from his training regimen. That balance is crucial, especially as careers evolve,” she concluded.
Bird and Rapinoe release a new episode of their podcast every Wednesday, aiming to enrich the dialogue surrounding sports by diving into the complexities of experiences both on and off the playing field.
