Sophie Cunningham Responds to Allegations of Affair with Married Phoenix Suns CEO

WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Responds to Rumors of Alleged Affair with Suns CEO

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham recently addressed growing speculation linking her romantically to Josh Bartelstein, the CEO of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. The rumors, which suggested an alleged affair between the athlete and the married executive, sparked intense social media chatter — and Cunningham has now broken her silence, calling the accusations both false and hurtful.

Cunningham, known for her gritty performance on the court with the Phoenix Mercury, took to social media to defend herself. In a heartfelt video shared with her followers, she denied any involvement with Bartelstein and expressed frustration over what she described as baseless and damaging gossip.

“I’m not sure where this is coming from,” Cunningham stated. “It’s disappointing that people would believe and spread such things without any truth to them.”

The speculation gained momentum after anonymous social media posts and fan theories began circulating online, suggesting an inappropriate relationship between the two. Despite a lack of credible evidence, the rumors quickly went viral — highlighting the persistent challenge public figures face when dealing with personal attacks and unfounded claims.

Cunningham emphasized that the rumors not only impact her personally but also distract from her commitment to her sport and team. As a prominent figure in the WNBA, she has worked hard to build her career and maintain a professional image, both on and off the court.

“I’ve worked too hard to have something like this try to define me,” she said, clearly emotional. “I’m focused on my team, my goals, and continuing to be a role model.”

Josh Bartelstein has not publicly responded to the rumors. As of now, there’s been no official comment from the Phoenix Suns or Mercury organizations regarding the situation.

The episode underscores the challenges athletes and executives face in today’s digital landscape, where unverified claims can spread rapidly and cause real-world consequences. For Cunningham, the experience appears to be a painful reminder of how quickly narratives can form — and how difficult they are to control once they gain momentum.

Supporters of Cunningham have rallied behind her, praising her for addressing the issue directly and encouraging a focus on facts over speculation. Many fans and fellow athletes have taken to social media to offer words of encouragement, stressing the importance of mental health and the need for accountability in online discourse.

As the WNBA season progresses, Cunningham says her priority remains unchanged: giving her all on the court and leading with integrity.