Cunningham calls Sweeney betting ad “inauthentic” in podcast critique

Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham has offered a measured critique of actress Sydney Sweeney’s recent sports betting advertisement, describing the campaign as “inauthentic” and “morally weird.” Cunningham addressed the public reaction during an appearance on her podcast, No Hesitation with Sophie Cunningham & Drew Hanlen, noting that she was inundated with direct messages seeking her perspective on the controversial imagery.

The advertisement, released earlier this month for an unnamed sports betting company, features Sweeney nude but covered in sports equipment. Cunningham stated that her primary concern with the authenticity of the campaign stems from her uncertainty regarding whether Sweeney personally gambles on sports. Despite her personal disapproval, the Fever star acknowledged the commercial viability of the ad, recognising Sweeney’s established ability to generate revenue through high-profile campaigns.

Cunningham clarified that she does not believe the advertisement was specifically targeting women in sport. Instead, she used the moment to praise the increased visibility of powerful and strong female athletes, encouraging young girls to embrace their physicality. She noted that while the ad features “pretty much naked women” in a context of men and sports, it is a formula that naturally draws attention.

Her co-host, Drew Hanlen, suggested that the public outcry was predictable, drawing a parallel to Sweeney’s American Eagle jeans campaign from the previous summer. Cunningham agreed with this assessment, stating that she was not surprised by the controversy given Sweeney’s history of provocative marketing. She maintained a supportive tone towards the actress, praising her for sticking to her guns and doing her own thing.

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate around celebrity endorsements in the sports betting sector, where visual spectacle often drives engagement. While Cunningham expressed that she did not agree with the specific execution of the ad, she accepted it as part of Sweeney’s brand identity. She concluded by emphasising the importance of seeing powerful women in the sporting landscape, regardless of the commercial context.

Cunningham and the Indiana Fever are scheduled to return to the court on Friday night, shifting focus from the media landscape back to on-court performance.