Sophie Cunningham Denies Affair Allegations Amid Phoenix Suns Lawsuit

PHOENIX, AZ — WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has publicly refuted allegations of an affair with Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein, labeling the claims as “untrue and extremely hurtful.” The accusations emerged from a lawsuit filed by Gene Traylor, a former director of safety and security for the Suns, who alleges workplace discrimination and retaliation. Within the lawsuit, Traylor claims that Cornelius Craig, the team’s Vice President of Security and Risk Management, spread rumors about an alleged affair between Cunningham and Bartelstein. Traylor asserts that he reported these rumors to Bartelstein but faced demotion and retaliation thereafter.

Cunningham, now with the Indiana Fever after a January trade from the Phoenix Mercury, addressed the allegations in a statement shared on Instagram. She emphasized her commitment to integrity and criticized media outlets for publishing the claims without seeking her comment.

The Phoenix Suns organization has also condemned the allegations, describing them as “entirely false and morally reprehensible.” Suns Senior Vice President Stacey Mitch accused Traylor’s attorney, Sheree Wright, of filing multiple baseless lawsuits to gain media attention and coerce settlements.

Bartelstein, who became CEO of the Suns and Mercury in 2023, has not publicly commented on the allegations. He married Sydney Cox in 2022 and has previously spoken about his wife’s support in media interviews.

Cunningham is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during a preseason game. The Indiana Fever has not provided a specific timeline for her return, but head coach Stephanie White indicated they would be cautious to avoid setbacks.

As the lawsuit progresses, both Cunningham and the Suns organization have expressed their intent to pursue legal action against those disseminating false information. The case adds to a series of legal challenges facing the Suns, highlighting ongoing concerns about workplace culture within the organization.