Sue Bird opted not to discuss her split from the United States Women’s National Team legend Megan Rapinoe at the Kentucky Derby, with the WNBA legend also breaking tradition at Churchill Downs
19:02 ET, 02 May 2026Updated 19:37 ET, 02 May 2026
Sue Bird was a special guest at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby(Image: NBC)
Sue Bird remained mum on her split with Megan Rapinoe while she broke tradition at the Kentucky Derby.
On Saturday, Bird was among the many big names NBC brought to Churchill Downs for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. The former Seattle Storm star also spoke on her history with horse racing, despite Bird being known as one of the best basketball players of all time.
That said, the star did not speak on her split with Megan Rapinoe, news that shocked the sports world as the couple had been together for 10 years.
READ MORE: Jockey has both legs amputated after horrified wife found him trapped under dead horseREAD MORE: Rory McIlroy loses $1.9 million of Masters prize money just days after Augusta National win
During her brief spot on NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby, Bird spoke on a myriad of topics, including the fact that she and her family’s lineage is very familiar with horse racing, stemming from her father’s interest in the sport.
“I grew up going to Saratoga every summer, so I haven’t been to a derby, so I’m excited about this, but I’ve been to, I can’t even tell you how many Travers events up in Saratoga,” she explained. What’s more, the WNBA legend bucked tradition by opting not to wear a hat.
Of note, it is believed that the bigger the hat, the more luck it brings. It is a tradition that has lasted throughout the years, and while Bird has been brought up around the culture of horse racing, she decided not to wear one.
Sue Bird was on hand at Churchill Downs to promote the WNBA on NBC this season(Image: NBC)
That said, Bird being on the broadcast was because the network is promoting WNBA games airing on NBC, with the former Storm star as one of the analysts. Speaking on the WNBA’s return to NBC, Bird stated, “First of all, just excited that it’s back on NBC. I got to play on NBC as a player, so it’s really thrilling.”
She added, “So many storylines. Well, the Las Vegas Aces repeat led by A’ja Wilson. It opens up on May 17th on NBC, and we’ll get to see all that star power. Caitlin Clark, Paige Beckers, you name it.”
Her comments are just the latest as she continues to express her excitement at the opportunity to be part of the network’s crew for the WNBA season.
Speaking on the opportunity, the 45-year-old stated, “I’m so excited to get to tell those stories in real time, dig into the details and give fans a different perspective on everything that makes the WNBA such a special and entertaining league.”
READ MORE: Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announce shock split after 10 years in devastating statementREAD MORE: ‘Excited’ WNBA icon makes massive return to league with new role
In a phone interview with The Associated Press, Bird explained that the opportunity was one that she had been pondering about, so long as all the pieces fit properly. “I’ve been circling broadcasting for a long time now,” she said to the outlet.
“Given NBC’s history and legacy and where the WNBA is now, I am excited to be part of it. It needed to be the right fit, the right people, the right network.”
Betsy Riley, the Senior Vice President and WNBA Coordinating Producer of NBC Sports, added, “There is no more accomplished player in the history of the WNBA and arguably in all of women’s sports than Sue Bird.
“Sue’s knowledge of the game is unmatched and will bring fans closer to the sport they love, both through analysis and storytelling.”