Candace Parker Gives High Praise To Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe For How They Handled Their Split

WNBA fans were keeping eyes on the schedule and its broadcasting schedule, teams, and player movements when Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe dropped a bombshell regarding their separation. The engaged couple’s decision impacted their professional decision, as they shut down their ‘A Touch More’ podcast, where they made the announcement.

Their decision shocked many, including Candace Parker, who once played against Bird in the WNBA and alongside Bird on the USA Basketball team. Knowing the former UConn star, she praised their ‘guts’ to come out in public to declare the separation.

Candace Parker With High Praise For Sue Bird And Megan Rapinoe

The celebrity couple had much love and support from their fans, and both nearly took retirement in the same year. After spending two years together post-retirement, the duo decided to move on with their lives and announced their decision on the podcast in a dignified manner.

Their ‘little speeches’ impressed Candace Parker, who discussed the topic on her podcast ‘Post Moves’. “They said that the decision wasn’t easy but made with so much love, respect and care for each other. And I really value, like how respectfully they did it. They didn’t hide it. They didn’t try to like pretend,” Parker said.

"They didn't hide it. They didn't try to like pretend…" @Candace_Parker respects how Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe handled their split. pic.twitter.com/z5sxeNKuWa

— Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) April 27, 2026

Parker mentioned that fans looked to the Bird-Rapinoe relationship for inspiration and added that many felt bad about the breakup. A famous sportscaster, though, launched a harsh attack on Megan Rapinoe, calling her a “predator” following the split.

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In her professional life, the WNBA star received yet another honor from her sport as the FIBA handed her top acknowledgment for her service.

Sue Bird Receives Highest Honor From FIBA

At the international level, the four-time WNBA champion won five Olympic gold medals with Team USA– in 2004, ’08, ’12, ’16, and ’21. The player played in the World Cup games also and won four World Championship titles with the U.S. (’02, ’10, ’14, ’18). While her achievements and impact are immeasurable, FIBA bestowed its highest honor, inducting her into the 2026 Hall of Fame.

“I’ve been lucky to have a lot of meaningful moments in my career, but this one feels different because it isn’t about one team, or one league, or one city. It’s about the game on a global level,” Bird said in a statement.

POINT GUARD MENTALITY 🧠

Congratulations to our #FIBAWWC Global Ambassador, Sue Bird, for being inducted to the FIBA Hall of Fame ✨ pic.twitter.com/4WUGG8Wdsu

— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) April 21, 2026

The player is still connected with Team USA, serving as the U.S. Women’s National Team Managing Director, and is in charge of choosing a coaching staff and players for international competitions.