Sophie Cunningham weighs in on Sydney Sweeney ad drama

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham offered a pointed take on Sydney Sweeney’s advertisement for sports prediction market Novig, calling the campaign “unauthentic” while also questioning why so many women are angry about it.

The ad shows the Euphoria actress mostly nude except for strategically placed sports equipment. Athletes including gymnast Gracie Kramer and runner Mary McCarthy criticized the imagery.

Cunningham said a wave of texts, DMs, and comments prompted her remarks Thursday on the No Hesitation podcast with Drew Hanlen.

“I have so many takes, but first of all, does she even gamble on sports? It’s just so unauthentic,” Cunningham said. “Am I surprised of how she represented the brand? No. That’s what she’s made her whole career off.”

Cunningham, who posed with Sweeney at a NASCAR event last year, said she likes the actress.

“She sticks to her guns, and she does her thing and she’s her, so like props to her,” she said. “Do I like that particular ad? Not really. What are we doing? But again, I’m not surprised. That’s what she’s known for. She’s making her money.

“Why are girls mad? That is literally what she does. Why is anyone mad? It is a gambling ad. Men, sports, pretty much naked women — of course that’s going to draw attention. Morally, I think it’s kind of weird, but to each their own. Go do your thing, sis.”

Cunningham said the ad was not “coming for women in sport.” She praised athletes showing young girls strong, muscular bodies and said the campaign has nothing to do with them.