gene traylor

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has shared a statement in response to allegations of her having an affair with Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, a married man, during her time with the Phoenix Mercury. She has called the allegations "untrue and extremely hurtful.” She has also claimed that she was never asked for a comment before several clickbait stories went to print.

Since November 2024, the Phoenix Suns, under new owner Mat Ishbia, face four lawsuits alleging workplace misconduct. These lawsuits, filed by current and former employees, detail claims of racial and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Despite denials from the Suns' leadership, the allegations raise concerns about the team's culture and the effectiveness of reforms following the previous owner's scandal.

The Phoenix Suns have vehemently denied allegations of an affair between CEO Josh Bartelstein and former Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham, labeling the claims as "entirely false and morally reprehensible." The Suns attribute the accusations to attorney Sheree Wright, who is already embroiled in legal battles with the organization, accusing her of extortion and spreading lies to coerce a settlement.

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has kept her dating life private, though she was previously in a public relationship with Jacob Neidig. Rumors of an affair with Phoenix Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein emerged during a lawsuit, which Cunningham denied. A viral meme humorously linked her to Cade Cunningham, but this was unfounded.

The Phoenix Suns' CEO, Josh Bartelstein, faces serious lawsuits initially concerning racial discrimination and mismanagement. Now, allegations of infidelity with Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham and sexual misconduct have surfaced, intensifying the legal battle. These issues, stemming from a toxic environment under previous ownership, threaten both Bartelstein's position and potentially Cunningham's career, who is currently sidelined with an injury.