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MLB Playoff Ads Featuring Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Spark Backlash

MLB playoff commercials featuring Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox face fan and athlete backlash over gambling and male‑enhancement ads.

Sports
Image: The New York Times

During the 2026 Major League Baseball playoffs, two high‑profile commercials have drawn criticism. Actress Sydney Sweeney appears in a spot promoting a gambling platform, while Megan Fox fronts an advertisement for a male‑enhancement product. Both ads were aired alongside game coverage and quickly attracted attention on social media.

Fans and several athletes have expressed disapproval, arguing that the promotions are inappropriate for a sports audience and could encourage risky behavior. The backlash has prompted discussions about the responsibility of leagues and advertisers in selecting endorsers for televised events.

The controversy has also raised questions about who oversees the approval of such sponsorships within MLB’s marketing structure. While the league has not issued a formal statement, the debate highlights growing scrutiny of commercial partnerships in professional sports.

Why It Matters

The backlash underscores increasing public concern about the influence of gambling and health‑related advertising in major sports events.

Originally reported by The New York Times. Read the full story at The New York Times ›
#MLB#advertising#Sydney Sweeney#Megan Fox#backlash#gambling
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