BREAKING NEWS: WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Named in Lawsuit Alleging Affair with Married Phoenix Suns CEO
In a developing controversy shaking the WNBA and NBA communities, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been named in a lawsuit alleging an affair with Josh Bartelstein, the married CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. The lawsuit, filed in May 2025 by former Suns director of security Gene Traylor, also includes broader claims of racial discrimination and organizational misconduct within the Suns franchise.(The US Sun, Page Six)
Allegations Surface Amid Broader Legal Battle
Traylor’s lawsuit alleges that Bartelstein engaged in an extramarital affair with Cunningham during her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury from 2019 to 2024. Traylor claims he informed Bartelstein that Cornelius Craig, the Suns’ Vice President of Security and Risk Management, was spreading damaging rumors about the alleged affair. Traylor asserts that Bartelstein failed to address these concerns, leading to further organizational discord. (The Times of India, The US Sun, New York Post)
The lawsuit is part of a broader legal action accusing the Suns organization of racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Traylor alleges he was demoted without cause and that his attempts to report misconduct were ignored. (New York Post, Page Six)
Suns Organization Denies Allegations
The Phoenix Suns have vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “entirely false and morally reprehensible.” The organization has criticized Traylor’s attorney, Sheree Wright, accusing her of attempting to extort a $140 million settlement and highlighting her history of filing multiple dismissed or withdrawn lawsuits against the team. (New York Post)
In a public statement, the Suns emphasized their commitment to integrity and transparency, stating that they will “vigorously defend against these baseless claims” and pursue legal action to protect the organization’s reputation. (New York Post)
Cunningham and Bartelstein Remain Silent
As of now, neither Sophie Cunningham nor Josh Bartelstein has publicly responded to the allegations. Cunningham, who signed a one-year contract extension with the Phoenix Mercury in September 2024, was traded to the Indiana Fever ahead of the 2025 season. She has yet to make her debut with the Fever due to a preseason ankle injury. (The US Sun, Arizona Sports)
Bartelstein, who became CEO of the Suns and Mercury in 2023, has been married to Sydney Cox since 2022. In a 2024 interview, he praised his wife for her support, stating, “She’s been my rock through all the challenges.” (Page Six)
Implications for the WNBA and NBA
The allegations have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ethical violations within professional basketball organizations. If proven true, the alleged affair between a team executive and a player could have significant repercussions for both the WNBA and NBA, prompting reviews of organizational policies and codes of conduct.(The Times of India)
Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how professional sports leagues handle internal allegations of misconduct and relationships that may compromise organizational integrity.
Broader Context and Future Developments
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges facing the Phoenix Suns organization. Under new ownership since 2023, the franchise has been subject to multiple lawsuits alleging various forms of workplace misconduct. The outcome of Traylor’s lawsuit could influence ongoing discussions about workplace culture and accountability within professional sports teams.(The Times of India, New York Post, Page Six)
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community awaits further information and official statements from the involved parties. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in maintaining the integrity of professional sports organizations.
