Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard and former Phoenix Mercury star, has been named in a lawsuit that accuses her of having an affair with married Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
The allegations emerged as part of a broader legal case filed by Gene Traylor, the Suns’ former director of safety, security and risk management, who is suing the organisation for racial discrimination and misconduct.
Court documents reveal that Traylor claims Cornelius Craig, the Suns’ vice president of security and risk management, spread rumours about an alleged relationship between Bartelstein and Cunningham throughout the organisation.
According to the lawsuit, Traylor reported his concerns to Bartelstein directly. The legal filing states that when Bartelstein pressed Traylor for details about what Craig was saying, Traylor explained that Craig had been telling others about the alleged affair using explicit language.
The Phoenix Suns have strongly denied all allegations. Stacey Mitch, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Suns, described the claims as “entirely false and morally reprehensible” in a statement.
Mitch also criticised Traylor’s legal representation, questioning the attorney’s professional record and suggesting the lawsuit was an attempt at extortion. She stated that the organisation would not be coerced into settling and accused the legal team of inserting false information into complaints to generate media attention.
Representatives for the Suns, Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Cunningham have been contacted for comment but have not responded.
Cunningham, 28, spent five seasons with the Phoenix Mercury after being selected in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. Despite signing a contract extension through 2025 last September, she was surprisingly traded to the Indiana Fever in February.
The timing of her departure from Phoenix has now taken on additional significance given the lawsuit’s allegations. Cunningham missed the Fever’s season opener against Chicago Sky on Saturday due to an ankle injury.
Bartelstein, a former Michigan basketball player, was appointed CEO of both the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in April 2023. He previously spent eight years with the Detroit Pistons before taking on his current role.
The 32-year-old executive has been married to his wife Sydney for two years. In a November 2024 interview with Phoenix Magazine, Bartelstein praised his wife’s support, describing his role as demanding but rewarding.
The lawsuit represents a significant challenge for the Phoenix Suns organisation, which has faced scrutiny in recent years. The case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace culture and professional conduct within major sports franchises.
The legal proceedings are expected to continue as both sides prepare their cases, with the sports world watching closely for further developments in this high-profile dispute.
