The debate over Sydney Sweeney's promotional work for the sports betting platform Novig has taken another turn, this time with WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham stepping into the conversation. The Indiana Fever player offered a measured defense of the actress, pushing back against the wave of criticism from prominent female athletes.
The ad, which features Sweeney in suggestive poses with athletic gear, drew sharp rebukes from Olympians like Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus and British sprinter Amy Hunt. They argued that such imagery undermines the credibility and progress of women in sports, a sentiment echoed across social media and sports commentary.
But Cunningham sees it differently. In her view, the commercial is clearly aimed at a male demographic and has no bearing on the real achievements of female athletes. "This is entertainment, not a reflection of women's sports," she said, urging critics to separate the two.
Different worlds, different rules
Cunningham emphasized that Sweeney is an actress, not an athlete, and her commercial work should be judged in that context. "She's doing her job, and her job is in Hollywood," Cunningham noted. "It's not about us."
The WNBA veteran also cautioned against women tearing down other women over projects that aren't meant to represent them. "We should be lifting each other up, not attacking each other for something that has nothing to do with our sport," she said.
Novig's CEO, Jacob Fortinsky, has also clarified that the campaign was never intended to represent female athletes or women's sports. Still, critics maintain that the ad perpetuates outdated stereotypes that women in sports have long fought against.
Cunningham's stance is consistent with her history of advocating for female empowerment, both on and off the court. She has been vocal about the need for more visibility and respect for women's sports, and she sees this controversy as a distraction from the real issues.
"There are bigger battles to fight," she said. "Let's focus on the growth of the game, the talent, and the fans who are showing up in record numbers."
Indeed, women's basketball is enjoying unprecedented attention, with stars like Angel Reese and others drawing new audiences. Cunningham's own career has been part of that momentum, and she remains committed to promoting the sport's future.
As the conversation continues, Cunningham's voice adds a layer of nuance that many feel is missing. She acknowledges the concerns but urges a broader perspective. "We can't let one ad define us," she said. "Our achievements speak for themselves."
For now, the debate over Sweeney's ad may fade, but the underlying questions about representation and respect in sports media are likely to persist. Cunningham's message is clear: support women in all their endeavors, but don't conflate entertainment with athletic integrity.
