Josh Bartelstein, an American basketball executive and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, is married to Sydney. Her support made his incredibly demanding job easy.
He is among the youngest executives to lead an NBA franchise and began his second season with the Suns.
Josh began playing basketball in the second grade and played his first year of organized basketball in the Highwood Small Fry youth basketball league in the 2000 spring season.
With the help of his father, Mark, a sports agent, he had the opportunity to fill his bedroom wall with pictures of himself alongside many famous athletes.
In 2002, he was one of the leaders of the Highwood Heat of the Highwood Small Fry basketball league.
Later, Josh joined Highland Park High School and committed to playing college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines.
He began his coaching career in Highland Park, and the Detroit Pistons hired him as an assistant to Palace Sports & Entertainment vice chair Arn Tellem in October 2015.
Throughout his eight years with the Pistons, he became chief of staff, executive vice president of business and basketball operations, and assistant general manager in June 2022.
On April 10, 2023, he became the CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and the operating entity for Footprint Center.
The Suns and Mercury are world-class organizations with passionate fans and a strong commitment to the Phoenix community. I’m grateful to be joining at such an exciting and pivotal time for the teams, the arena and the city. We will remain focused on creating a culture where our team members can thrive, elevating the fan experience and making a positive impact on the Valley. I look forward to working with the team to collectively build on this foundation and usher in the Suns’ and Mercury’s next chapter of growth and success.
Josh Bartelstein
Josh Bartelstein’s Biggest Supporter Is His Wife, Sydney
Sydney Bartelstein is a strong support system behind the successful leader and chief of staff for the Phoenix Suns, Josh Bartelstein.
The longtime couple married in a beautiful ceremony on August 13, 2022, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.
Sydney plays a crucial role in Josh’s professional and personal fulfillment, and the married couple has navigated the challenges of a high-pressure NBA career.
Josh, who has been influential in the Suns’ front office, acknowledges the immense demands of his role. Yet, despite the hectic schedule, he credits his wife for making it all worthwhile.
Her unwavering support allows him to thrive in his career while maintaining balance off the court.
This job is incredibly demanding. It’s the best job ever, but it’s long hours, high-stress and -pressure, and public-facing. And I travel a lot. Me and Sydney have done it together, and she’s a huge reason why I love what I get to do.
Josh Bartelstein
While Josh is often in the spotlight due to his high-profile position with the Suns, he and Sydney prefer to keep their personal life out of the public eye.
As of 2025, the couple does not have children, allowing them to focus on their careers and each other.
Sydney is not just his wife but also his biggest cheerleader, helping him manage the pressures of his career while keeping their life grounded and joyful.
Her love and support remain the foundation of his success.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Josh Bartelstein, the son of Mark and Sheri Bartelstein, was born on July 17, 1989, in Highland Park, Illinois.
- His parents raised him alongside three younger sisters, Morgan, Courtney, and Kirby, in the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area.
- He stands 1.91m tall and weighs about 95kg.
