WNBA star Sophie Cunningham denies sex scandal allegation with basketball club CEO

Sophie Cunningham in Indiana Fever's jersey. Photo by Indiana Fever

The claim was made by Gene Taylor, a former security director for NBA club Phoenix Suns, in a discrimination lawsuit filed against the team. According to Taylor, Bartelstein, who serves as CEO for both the Suns and Mercury, was involved in an affair with Cunningham during her stint with the Mercury, People reported.

The lawsuit, currently being handled by the Arizona court system, also accuses the Suns of workplace discrimination following Taylor’s removal from his position.

While the allegation has not been verified, it has stirred controversy within the American women’s basketball community.

On May 20, Suns vice president Stacey Micht denied the claims, calling them "false and morally reprehensible". Cunningham also issued a public statement on social media, firmly denying any relationship with Bartelstein.

"I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met," she wrote. "Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.

"I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court. To the media who reported on this, I have always spoken the truth and been transparent with any press inquiry, 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."

Cunningham, 28, was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 and quickly became one of the WNBA’s most recognized players. Earlier this year, she signed with the Indiana Fever but has yet to make her debut this season due to injury.

Bartelstein, 35, was appointed CEO of the Suns and Mercury in 2022. He has not issued a public response to the allegation. The WNBA has also not commented on the matter.