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Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Tipped By Riley Gaines as Ideal American Eagle Pick Amid Sydney Sweeney Controversy
LOOK: Sophie Cunningham Adult Toy Scandal Sparks Awkward Laughter From Natasha Howard 1 Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guards Sophie Cunningham (8) and Caitlin Clark (22)sign autographs before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham should be the next endorsers for fashion brand American Eagle, at least according to one political commentator.

In an episode of the show “Gaines for Girls ,” conservative political activist Riley Gaines opened up the idea of Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham as the next faces of fashion brand American Eagle.

“Sophie Cunningham has been Caitlin Clark’s biggest cheerleader and defender,” Gaines said. “Caitlin Clark is the reason we have been talking about the WNBA. Hate it or love it. It’s true. I don’t believe that Caitlin Clark necessarily wants that title that everyone has been giving to her.”

“Maybe Caitlin Clark should do the next American Eagle campaign or Sophie Cunningham,” Gaines added.

American Eagle’s latest denim campaign featuring “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney has ignited a fierce cultural debate, with critics accusing the brand of promoting racially charged undertones through its wordplay-heavy tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.”

The ad, released July 23, shows the blonde-haired, blue-eyed actress delivering lines about “genes” before pivoting to “jeans,” a play on words that some commentators say echoes eugenics-era ideals of beauty.

While the brand insists the campaign was “always about the jeans” and meant to be cheeky, the backlash has been swift—spanning social media outrage, think pieces, and political commentary. Foot traffic to American Eagle stores reportedly fell 9% year-over-year in the week of August 3–9, even as the company’s stock price jumped 17% since the campaign’s launch.

Caitlin Clark Caught Confronting Referee in Recent Game With Wings

The Indiana Fever’s defeat to the Dallas Wings ended with a chaotic final possession and a flashpoint on the sideline involving injured star Caitlin Clark. As the buzzer sounded—after Kelsey Mitchell, who led Indiana with 24 points, took the last shot in front of the Fever bench—Clark walked onto the floor and clapped demonstratively toward official Amy Bonner, a moment captured on league highlights and in postgame photos.


Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Tipped By Riley Gaines as Ideal American Eagle Pick Amid Sydney Sweeney Controversy 11 Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to a call from the referee Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever, 81-80.

Images showed Bonner initially trying to exit before turning and pointing back toward the Fever bench as Clark’s gestures drew her attention, underscoring the guard’s visible frustration with how the game finished.

Clark had already been a presence on the sidelines earlier, physically guiding head coach Stephanie White away from the court during a tense moment to prevent an escalation with officials.

So far this season, Caitlin Clark has missed 20 games, including the All-Star Games where she was supposed to be the captain of her own team.


Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Tipped By Riley Gaines as Ideal American Eagle Pick Amid Sydney Sweeney Controversy 12 May 4, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) assists guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the game against the Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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