Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has spoken out publicly for the first time amid swirling rumors and speculation suggesting she was romantically involved with Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein. In a strongly worded statement posted to her social media platforms late Thursday night, Cunningham categorically denied the allegations, calling them “completely false, irresponsible, and hurtful.”
The statement arrives at a tense moment for both the WNBA franchise and its leadership, as the Phoenix Mercury prepare for the 2025 season with hopes of bouncing back from a challenging year. Meanwhile, Cunningham—an emotional leader on the court and fan favorite off it—now finds herself at the center of a controversy she says is entirely fabricated.
“There is absolutely no truth to the rumors being spread about me,” Cunningham wrote. “I have never had any kind of romantic or inappropriate relationship with Josh Bartelstein. These claims are not only false but also extremely damaging—both to my personal life and to the professional reputation I’ve worked hard to build.”
Cunningham, 28, has spent her entire WNBA career with the Mercury after being selected 13th overall in the 2019 draft. Known for her gritty play, confident demeanor, and emotional connection with the Phoenix fanbase, she’s become a staple of the Mercury locker room. Her denial comes as an emphatic attempt to push back against what she describes as “baseless gossip” and a wider trend of public figures being unfairly targeted without evidence.
“I’ve stayed quiet until now because I didn’t want to give attention to rumors that didn’t deserve it,” she continued. “But the volume and intensity of the speculation has reached a point where I can’t stay silent. I owe it to myself, my family, my teammates, and everyone who supports me to make it absolutely clear that these accusations are a complete lie.”
The allegations began circulating earlier this week when unverified social media posts and message board threads claimed there was a developing relationship between Cunningham and Bartelstein, who oversees both the Suns and Mercury franchises under Mat Ishbia’s ownership group. Bartelstein, a former Michigan basketball player and NBA executive, has been instrumental in the reshaping of both organizations since his appointment as CEO in 2023.
As the speculation gained traction online, many fans and followers began asking questions and demanding answers. Cunningham’s decision to publicly address the issue is a rare move in the world of professional sports, where players often choose to stay silent in the face of rumors. But according to sources close to her, the emotional toll of the situation left her with little choice.
“She was heartbroken,” said one person familiar with the situation, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter. “This kind of thing takes a toll. Sophie is someone who loves her team, her city, and the game. To have her name dragged like this was deeply upsetting.”
In her statement, Cunningham also touched on the broader implications of the situation, pointing to the double standards and gender dynamics that often arise when women athletes are the subject of rumor or scrutiny.
“It’s not lost on me that stories like these disproportionately affect women,” she wrote. “We’re often judged by a completely different standard. The idea that a female athlete’s success or professionalism must somehow be tied to a personal relationship with a man in power is insulting and dangerous. It undermines the work we do every day to grow this game and earn respect.”
Cunningham’s words drew swift reactions from around the WNBA community. Fellow players, coaches, and media members expressed support and solidarity on social media, with many praising her courage and transparency.
“People forget athletes are human beings,” said Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ve known Sophie for years—she’s tough, honest, and loyal. This is disgusting and unfair. Glad she’s speaking her truth.”
The Mercury organization has not issued an official statement regarding the matter, though a source close to the team said Cunningham’s role and standing with the franchise are “completely unchanged.” According to the same source, no internal investigation has been launched because there is “no evidence or credible claim to investigate.”
Josh Bartelstein has also not publicly commented on the allegations. Those close to him describe the rumors as “completely out of character” and not aligned with the professional standards he’s established during his tenure.
While Cunningham’s statement aims to close the door on the controversy, it remains to be seen whether the firestorm around the issue will subside. The episode highlights the increasingly blurred line between public curiosity and personal privacy in the age of social media—a dynamic that athletes like Cunningham must navigate daily.
For fans of the Mercury and followers of the WNBA, the situation is also a sobering reminder of how quickly narratives can take shape without verification, and how damaging they can be to those caught in the crossfire. Though Cunningham has made it clear she intends to move forward, the episode underscores the emotional labor many athletes are forced to shoulder when defending themselves against public speculation.
“Being a professional athlete is hard enough,” Cunningham wrote. “The pressure to perform, the criticism, the travel, the sacrifice—it’s a lot. Adding something like this, where your character and integrity are being questioned based on absolutely nothing, is beyond frustrating. But I know who I am. And I know my truth.”
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Cunningham is focused on doing what she’s always done—playing basketball with heart, hustle, and intensity. Whether this controversy fades or lingers, she seems determined not to let it define her.
“I’ve always believed in standing up for what’s right,” her statement concluded. “I’m not going to let lies dictate the narrative. I’m here to represent this team, this city, and the people who have believed in me from the beginning. That’s where my energy is going. I won’t let rumors take away what I’ve worked for.”
Her words struck a chord with fans, many of whom flooded her mentions with messages of encouragement. “We got your back, Sophie,” one user wrote. “Ignore the noise and keep being you.” Another simply said, “Real ones know the truth.”
In a media landscape often dominated by clickbait and controversy, Cunningham’s willingness to directly address the speculation and shut it down with clarity and strength has been met with admiration. Yet the reality remains that no matter how swiftly or definitively an athlete defends themselves, the whispers don’t always go away.
Still, if there’s one thing Sophie Cunningham has shown in her five years with the Mercury, it’s resilience. From big-game performances to injuries and comebacks, she has consistently demonstrated a toughness that goes beyond the hardwood. And if her statement is any indication, this latest challenge will be no different.
In a sports world where silence can be mistaken for guilt and transparency is often met with scrutiny, Cunningham’s decision to speak up may not erase the headlines—but it does set the record straight.
And for her, that’s more than enough.
