"Office Affair with Suns CEO? 🤬 Ex-Mercury Star Fires Back: 'Slander! This Cuts Deep!'"

Phoenix Suns CEO Falsely Accused of Affair with Mercury Player? Sophie Cunningham Blasts "Fabricated" Claims

The Allegations

Former Suns security director Gene Traylor (via lawyer Sheree Wright) claimed CEO Josh Bartelstein (married) had an affair with Sophie Cunningham (ex-Mercury, now Fever player).

Sophie Cunningham’s Statement

"I’m devastated by Gene Traylor’s false claims—someone I’ve never met or spoken to. His accusations are completely untrue and deeply hurtful.

I’m here to compete at the highest level, win for my team and fans, and inspire women to chase their dreams. On and off the court, I hold myself to the highest integrity. While I’ve always been transparent with media, multiple outlets ran clickbait headlines without verifying these lies.

I won’t let fabricated gossip distract me. Basketball, my team, and our supporters matter most."

Suns’ Official Response

Stacey Mitch (SVP of Communications):

"Recent reports about Josh Bartelstein and Sophie are entirely false and unethical. Let’s be clear about the source:

*Sheree Wright—a personal injury/immigration lawyer currently on 2-year probation by the Arizona Bar for misconduct—saw an opportunity after prior ownership stories. She has now filed four lawsuits against our organization seeking $140M+, all dismissed by the EEOC or voluntarily withdrawn.*

She fabricates salacious lies (knowing media may report them as fact) to extort a settlement. We won’t be bullied. Not a single cent will be paid.

We’re pursuing all legal actions against those spreading these false narratives."