Phoenix Suns CEO Accused of Affair with Former Mercury Star Sophie Cunningham Before Trade

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The Phoenix Suns, once believed to be on the brink of a new era of professionalism and progress following their record $4 billion acquisition by mortgage mogul Mat Ishbia in 2022, are now mired in a quagmire of lawsuits that paint a harrowing picture of workplace dysfunction, racial discrimination, and sexual scandal.

And now, a shocking new lawsuit has ignited yet another PR firestorm accusing Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein of an improper sexual relationship with former Phoenix Mercury star Sophie Cunningham as part of a broader claim of racial discrimination and retaliatory demotion.

The bombshell allegation surfaced in a federal complaint filed by Gene Traylor, the Suns’ former director of safety, security, and risk management. In his lawsuit, Traylor recounts a disturbing conversation with Suns executive Dan Craig, in which Craig allegedly told others that Bartelstein was romantically involved with Cunningham. When Bartelstein pressed Traylor for details, Traylor quoted Craig directly:

“Josh Bartelstein is f**ing Sophie Cunningham,” according to court documents obtained and reported by Front Office Sports.

Neither Bartelstein nor Cunningham has responded publicly to the accusation, but the implications are severe. As a senior executive, Bartelstein’s alleged entanglement with a player from the organization’s sister team raises ethical red flags about conflicts of interest and abuse of power especially given the Mercury’s ownership under the same Ishbia-led regime.

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