{"id":52691,"date":"2026-09-22T09:28:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/?p=52691"},"modified":"2026-09-22T09:28:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:28:05","slug":"wnba-star-sophie-cunningham-defends-sydney-sweeney-after-controversial-ad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2026\/09\/wnba-star-sophie-cunningham-defends-sydney-sweeney-after-controversial-ad.html","title":{"rendered":"WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Defends Sydney Sweeney After Controversial Ad"},"content":{"rendered":"
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John Mac \/ Flickr | Inset: Novig<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is weighing in on the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s provocative sports betting ad, saying she doesn’t believe the actress’ decision to appear nude in the campaign was an attack on female athletes.<\/p>\n

The Indiana Fever guard addressed the debate on her “No Hesitation” podcast after Sweeney’s ad for prediction market Novig drew criticism from some female athletes and others who argued its sexualized imagery undermined progress made by women in sports.<\/p>\n

“Why are girls mad?” Cunningham asked. “That is literally what she does. Why is anyone mad? It is a gambling ad: men, sports, naked women. Of course, that’s going to draw attention.”<\/p>\n

While Cunningham defended Sweeney’s freedom to participate in the campaign, she made clear that she had reservations of her own.<\/p>\n

“Do I agree with it? Morally, I think it’s kind of weird, but each to their own,” Cunningham said. “Go do your thing, sis.”<\/p>\n

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Sophie Cunningham is confused at why people are mad at Sydney Sweeney for her revealing sports ad:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are girls mad? That is literally what she does\u2026 Men, sports, naked women. Of course that\u2019s gonna draw attention\u2026 Go do your thing sis.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/r8V4LYWsq4<\/p>\n

\u2014 Hater Report (@HaterReport) September 18, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n