22/05/2025 13:58
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has furiously hit back at ‘untrue and extremely hurtful’ claims she had an affair with a married team boss.
Cunningham, 28, played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2019 to 2024 before joining the Indiana Fever.
She was accused of having a relationship with team CEO Josh Bartelstein.
Bartelstein is also the chief executive of the Phoenix SunsNBA team and married wife Sydney in 2022.
The lawsuit alleging his affair with Cunningham was filed by Suns director of security Gene Traylor.
Now Indiana Fever star Cunningham has released a statement on the claims.
The WNBA player said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
A Phoenix Suns spokesperson also released a statement on the issue.
The statement took aim at attorney Sheree Wright, who represented Traylor.
It read, “The Supreme Court of Arizona has twice disciplined attorney Sheree Wright for committing numerous violations of the rules of professional conduct.
“She is currently serving a two-year probation with the State Bar of Arizona.
“This time, Ms. Wright and her client have made absurd accusations of misconduct surrounding the security department of the Phoenix Suns.
“These allegations are delusional and categorically false.”
CEO Bartelstein spoke about his wife’s impact on his job and career.
“This job is incredibly demanding,” he said.
“It’s the best job ever, but it’s long hours, high-stress and pressure, and public-facing. And I travel a lot.
“Me and Sydney have done it together.
“She’s a huge reason why I love what I get to do.”
