‘Cleat Cute’: Everything We Know About the Lesbian Sports Romance’s TV Adaptation
What To Know
- Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute adaptation was announced in 2024.
- The 2023 novel follows rivals-turned-lovers on the US Women’s National Soccer Team.
- It’s being developed by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.
Heated Rivalry has us in a sports rivals-to-lovers state of mind. If you’ve found yourself wishing there was a sapphic version of Shane and Ilya’s romance out there, you won’t find one on TV… yet. Last year, it was announced that author Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute would be getting the TV adaptation treatment, courtesy of WNBA star Sue Bird and former U.S. Women’s Soccer captain Megan Rapinoe.
“Having spent most of our lives on teams, we want to celebrate the ways in which relationships, both romantic and platonic, are organically created through sports,” said the couple, who have been dating since 2016. “Cleat Cute will not shy away from the messiness, occasional frustration, and undeniable beauty that come with loving the game and the players within it.”
In a nutshell, Cleat Cute is Heated Rivalry if it took place in the world of professional women’s soccer. (Well, that and if Shane and Ilya were on the same team instead of opposing ones, but you get the idea.) That’s all we needed to hear to get on board — but when exactly can we tune into the lesbian sports romance? Swooon has all the latest updates about Cleat Cute’s release date and more.
What is Cleat Cute about?
Wilsner’s 2023 novel revolves around two characters on the U.S. Women’s National Team, so it’s fitting that Rapinoe is involved. On one hand, we have Grace Henderson, the 26-year-old captain, who is benched with an injury. And then there’s 22-year-old Phoebe Matthews, who takes her place, and she’s the “sunshine” to Grace’s “grumpy.” They unexpectedly become friends-with-benefits, though Grace still considers Phoebe her rival. Phoebe, on the other hand, has always idolized the team’s captain. She’s head-over-heels after their first kiss.
Phoebe’s under the impression that they’re dating, while Grace worries that she’s catching feelings. The two spend the book working toward the World Cup, with Grace on the mend after her injury and trying to find a way they can play together rather than replace each other.
Who is in the Cleat Cute cast?
Though the adaptation is in development, it hasn’t reached the casting stage yet. If you’ve already read the book, let us know your dream actors for Grace and Phoebe in the comments section at the end of the page!
In the meantime, we do know more about the team making the show. Rapinoe’s production company, A Touch More, and Future Shack have optioned the book. Bird, Rapinoe, and Camille Bernier-Green, the company’s head of development, will executive produce. Wilsner is also included in the lineup of executive producers.
So far, A Touch More has made ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast Pink Card and A Touch More: The Podcast with Vox Media, which Bird and Rapinoe host. In 2025, the company launched the Unstoppable: Stories of Strength short film series on YouTube. Cleat Cute would be its first foray into scripted and TV content.
“Sports is a universal language and breeding ground for world-class storytelling,” said Future Shack CEO Jeff Wachtel, per Deadline. As women’s sports captivate audiences around the globe, we’re proud to partner with two of the most iconic athletes of our time, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, to bring Meryl Wilsner’s delightful world to life in a bold, sexy, and fun ensemble show.”
When does Cleat Cute come out?
It’s been over a year since the adaptation was announced, but there’s no release date yet. Between April 2024 and now, a network hasn’t been officially attached to the project. But who knows — maybe the recent popularity of Heated Rivalry will get the process moving. Swooon is keeping an eye out for any Cleat Cute-related updates, so make sure to check this page again for any developments!
Cleat Cute, TBA
