Sophie Cunningham Denies Allegations of Romance with Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein

A lawsuit filed against the Phoenix Mercury alleges that Sophie Cunningham, a former elite player for Missouri's women’s basketball team, had an affair with Josh Bartelstein, the team's CEO, during her tenure with the Mercury. In a statement on her X account, Cunningham denounced the claims as “false accusations.” Her name is included in a complaint from Gene Traylor, the former security director for the Suns, who alleges retaliation, harassment, and discrimination by the team. ESPN first reported this development, though Cunningham is not the primary target. The suit asserts that the Suns aimed to dismiss Traylor by appointing Cornelius Craig as vice president of security, with Craig reportedly sharing details about the alleged relationship involving Bartelstein and Cunningham.