Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA, not only for her on-court tenacity but also for the intrigue surrounding her personal life. As her professional career continues to ascend, fans and media alike have become increasingly curious about her relationships, especially in light of recent rumors and legal controversies.
Born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie Cunningham is a professional basketball player currently with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. She made her mark at Rock Bridge High School before starring at the University of Missouri, where she became the all-time leading scorer for the women’s basketball program.
Drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, Cunningham quickly gained a reputation for her aggressive playing style and leadership. After several seasons with the Mercury, she was traded to the Indiana Fever in early 2025.
Sophie Cunningham’s Relationship Status
She has addressed questions about her relationship status with humor and candor on social media, often joking about her single status and her high standards for a potential partner.
The Alleged Affair with Josh Bartelstein: What Do We Know?
Sophie Cunningham’s private life was thrust into the spotlight in May 2025 after a lawsuit made sensational claims about her alleged affair with Josh Bartelstein, the married CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. According to court documents filed by Gene Traylor, a former director of safety, security, and risk management for the Suns, rumors about an inappropriate relationship between Cunningham and Bartelstein were being circulated within the organization by Cornelius Craig, then vice president of security and risk management.
The lawsuit alleges that Craig was telling others, “Josh Bartelstein is f**king Sophie Cunningham,” and that these rumors were reported to Bartelstein by Traylor. The legal filing does not provide direct evidence of an affair, but the allegations have generated significant media attention and speculation about the nature of Cunningham’s relationship with Bartelstein.
Cunningham, who spent her entire WNBA career with the Mercury until her trade to the Fever in February 2025, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The lawsuit, which primarily centers on claims of racial discrimination and organizational dysfunction, has nonetheless cast a shadow over both Cunningham and Bartelstein’s reputations.
Past Relationships: Fact and Fiction
There is considerable confusion online about Sophie Cunningham’s romantic history. Some sources have erroneously claimed she was married to Virginia Murdoch, an Australian author and editor, but there is no credible evidence supporting this claim, and reputable outlets confirm that Cunningham is not married.
However, it is documented that Cunningham previously dated Jakob Neidig, a soccer player she met at the University of Missouri. Their relationship reportedly lasted about two years before ending in 2019, shortly before Cunningham’s professional career took off. Despite their breakup, there appear to be no public signs of animosity between them.
What Does Sophie Cunningham Look For in a Partner?
Sophie Cunningham has been candid—sometimes humorously so—about her high standards when it comes to relationships. According to interviews and social media, she has three main requirements for a boyfriend:
- Basketball Knowledge: She wants someone who is a “walking sports encyclopedia,” especially about basketball, and can act as both a coach and a mental health supporter during tough times.
- Height: Her ideal partner must be taller than 6’3”, a requirement that eliminates much of the general population and narrows her dating pool to mostly elite athletes.
- Financial Security: Cunningham values financial stability and wants a partner who is secure and independent, inspired by watching her friends start families and settle down.
Her demanding criteria, combined with her intense focus on her career, may explain why she remains single and why her love life is often described as a “mystery”.
Sophie Cunningham’s journey through the WNBA has been marked by both athletic achievement and personal intrigue. While rumors and lawsuits have fueled speculation about her private life—most notably the alleged affair with Josh Bartelstein—there is no public confirmation of any current relationship.
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Cunningham’s high standards and independent spirit continue to define her both on and off the court, making her one of the league’s most fascinating personalities. As her career progresses with the Indiana Fever, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both her professional and personal milestones.
