WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Responds To Affair Rumors

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated May 21, 2025 4:06 PM ET

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has decided to respond to the troubling off-court rumors that she had an affair with married Suns/Mercury exec Josh Bartelstein — the CEO of the team she spent the first six years of her career playing for.

In a lawsuit filed by former Phoenix Suns employee Gene Traylor, the ex-security staffer alleges racial discrimination, harassment and unlawful retaliation, among other things; while also claiming that Cunningham was carrying on a romantic relationship outside of Bartelstein's marriage.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, the 28-year-old released this statement on Traylor's claims:

pic.twitter.com/CTXQdV04wn
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) May 21, 2025

"I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusation made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met. Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful," Cunningham began.

"I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level and win for my team and my fans, while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming. I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court."

"To the media who reported on this, I have always spoken the truth and been transparent with any press inquiry. In this instance it feels irresponsible that I was never asked for comment about the accusation before several clickbait stories went to print," she continued.

"I will not let untrue gossip take my focus away from what is most important to me which is basketball, my supportive team and my fans."

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 18: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts to a three-point shot against the New York Liberty during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 18, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Missouri-born female hooper is in her first season with the Indiana Fever after being acquired in a four-team trade back in February.

The Suns organization has also denied the accusations made in Traylor's lawsuit.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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