“Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Rejects ‘Untrue & Devastating’ Affair Allegations with Married Mercury–Suns CEO as Phoenix Organizations Condemn Claims”

In May 2025, the WNBA and NBA communities were rocked by sensational claims made in a lawsuit alleging an affair between Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and Josh Bartelstein, the married CEO of the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns. Cunningham, who spent six seasons with the Mercury from 2019 to 2024 before being traded in January, was immediately thrust into the spotlight when her name surfaced in legal filings. She swiftly responded—denouncing the statements as “untrue and extremely hurtful.” Phoenix organizations and Bartelstein himself added their repudiations, labeling the allegations “false and morally reprehensible.” What unfolded was a multi-layered saga involving legal combat, media ethics, organizational integrity, and the personal impact on a rising athlete’s reputation. This article delves deep into the case’s origins, key responses, and broader implications for women in sports leadership.

1. Origin of the Allegations 🔍

The controversy began on May 13, 2025, when Gene Traylor, identified in court documents as a current employee and former director of safety, security, and risk management for the Phoenix Suns, filed a lawsuit in Arizona District Court. Although primarily alleging racial discrimination and hostile workplace conditions within the organization, the lawsuit also referenced salacious rumors. Traylor claimed that Cornelius Craig, the Suns’ Vice President of Security and Risk Management, had been circulating that Bartelstein was having an affair with Cunningham, stating he had “overheard Craig tell people that ‘Josh Bartelstein is f‑‑‑ing Sophie Cunningham’”.

Unsupported by any corroboration, the claim was relegated to a single paragraph within the broader complaint—yet it promptly went viral. Media outlets from People magazine to Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports reported on it, triggering widespread public fallout .

2. Cunningham’s Response: Integrity at the Forefront

On May 21, 2025, Cunningham—then 28—posted a strongly worded statement on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), declaring:

“I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations 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.”

She continued:

“I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court. … 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.

Cunningham emphasized that media outlets never reached out for her version of events before publishing the allegations. She urged professionalism and correction of harmful, unfounded claims.

3. Phoenix Suns & Mercury: Official Denials

Simultaneously, the Suns organization issued a statement through Senior Vice President of Communications Stacey Mitch, branding the claim as “entirely false and morally reprehensible,” highlighting the lack of evidence and the salacious — and unverified — nature of the rumor.

Mitch also criticized attorney Sheree Wright, who had represented Traylor: she is reportedly on a two-year probation with the Arizona State Bar for prior rules violations, and has used similar claims as tactics in four separate lawsuits claiming a total of $140 million—many having been dismissed or withdrawn.

Furthermore, the organizations announced their intention to pursue legal avenues against those responsible for spreading the rumor. Phoenix’s joint release underscored that both the Suns and Mercury were unified in condemning the allegations, pledging to hold responsible parties accountable.

4. Bartelstein’s Personal Context

Bartelstein, 35, has been married to his wife Sydney Cox since August 2022, a union he has publicly praised as crucial to managing his demanding role as CEO. His marriage positions the rumor as potentially defamatory, raising the stakes high for both his personal and professional reputation.

5. Media Ethics & the Power of Unverified Claims

The rapid spread of the allegations speaks to a critical issue: the peril of publishing unverified allegations, especially when they concern prominent figures. Cunningham’s rebuke of media outlets for running with the rumor without seeking comment is echoed by press-watchdog groups and free-speech observers.

Sports Illustrated’s authors described the situation as “a shame that Cunningham was subject to these allegations, along with how media outlets reported on the alleged affair with no other evidence than one person’s hearsay”. CBS Sports reproduced verbatim Cunningham’s statement, underscoring its urgency and emotional weight .

Such media conduct raises a broader ethical question: when do lawsuits become unintentional gossip factories? And what responsibility do journalists have to verify personal claims before amplifying them?

6. The Human Toll on Sophie Cunningham

While public attention often fixates on drama, the focus should remain on Cunningham—an athlete coping with false allegations. She’s navigating recovery from an ankle injury sustained earlier this season just after her trade to Indiana , and the allegations have likely added emotional strain during an already difficult time.

Her insistence that the allegations “take my focus away from what is most important … basketball, my supportive team and my fans” reflects her determination to persevere, but there’s no denying the added pressure has weighed heavily.

7. Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Litigation

The original lawsuit’s broader focus remains allegations of racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The rumor accusation, though ancillary, is likely to escalate tensions and potentially spur separate defamation action.

Phoenix’s announcement that they will “pursue all available legal avenues” against those spreading the rumor signals that Cunningham, Bartelstein, and both franchises are preparing for a legal fight beyond the immediate scope of Traylor’s filing

8. Contextualizing in Women’s Sports: A Larger Conversation

Cunningham’s case resonates beyond legalities—it underscores persistent challenges for female athletes in the spotlight. In a growing WNBA landscape, athletes are no longer just competitors: they’re public figures and role models. As Cunningham pointed out:

“There is extra pressure on WNBA players not just to be world-class athletes but also role models.”

The harmful effect of unverified rumors—especially those of a sexual nature—on these figures can be profound. Cunningham’s position as a respected young athlete makes the rumor’s damage even more significant, reminding media and fans of the need for discretion and confirmation before spreading.

9. Support from the Indiana Fever & WNBA Community

Thus far, the Indiana Fever organization has shown solidarity with Cunningham. A team spokesperson declined further comment—likely to avoid deepening legal entanglements—but Cunningham’s teammates and fans have rallied around her through social media and public statements. The WNBA community, known for its camaraderie, has broadly condemned such rumor-based reporting and echoed calls for journalistic integrity.

10. What’s Next? The Road Ahead

With the legal battle underway, several questions remain:

Will Traylor’s lawsuit proceed in full, or will the sullying rumor be severed?
Might Cunningham and Bartelstein file a countersuit for defamation?
How will media outlets adjust their standards—or face reputational consequences—for publishing such claims prematurely?
What lasting fallout might this have on WNBA athletes and their relationship with the press?

These are issues not just for the sports world, but for the wider media ecosystem.

 Conclusion: More Than Just a Rumor

What began as a peripheral line in a discrimination lawsuit quickly became a defining moment for Sophie Cunningham. Her insistence on her integrity, combined with rapid denials from the Suns and Mercury, highlights a tension between sensational media narratives and personal reputation. The incident illustrates the importance of journalistic responsibility, supportive organizations, and media literacy among fans.

For Cunningham, this isn’t just a story: it’s a profound test of character. But her response—a measured, transparent defense—combined with institutional backing, helps frame her not as a scandal victim, but as a resilient athlete poised to reclaim her narrative.

As the legal and public aftermath unfolds, one simple truth remains evident: unverified rumors can cause real harm. And in the modern era of instant reporting, checking facts first is not just best practice—it’s essential.