MLB playoff broadcasts draw criticism over ads featuring Sydney Sweeney

Major League Baseball Playoff Broadcasts Spark Family-Friendly Advertising Backlash

Major League Baseball postseason broadcasts have drawn sharp public criticism from players and baseball figures over provocative commercial breaks featuring actress Sydney Sweeney in underwear for sports prediction platform Novig, Megan Fox promoting prescription erectile dysfunction treatments, and horror movie trailers. The controversy erupted on October 14, 2026, when parents and athletes questioned whether the sport’s commercial partnerships align with a family audience watching America’s Pastime.

Taylor Murphy and Dale Murphy Challenge Broadcast Content on Social Media

Taylor Murphy, watching the postseason games with his children, took to X on October 14, 2026, to criticize Major League Baseball over the commercial lineup, writing, Hey @MLB – wanna get more kids watching baseball? Maybe start with the commercials. He added that the league does not need gimmicks like Nickelodeon broadcasts or the Savannah Bananas to capture young viewers, but simply needs to show baseball in a way that allows parents to leave games on in their houses. Two days later, his father, two-time National League MVP, seven-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, and Braves Hall of Famer Dale Murphy, publicly agreed with his son on social media.

Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder Alex Call Joins Public Criticism

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call amplified the backlash on October 14, 2026, by directing a pointed message at Major League Baseball and its television partners, including TBS, Fox, and NBC. Call wrote on social media, Can we please get the soft porn ads off playoff broadcasts, TBS, Fox, NBC, @MLB? My son wants to watch baseball with Dada, but how do I justify that when a half-naked women could come on screen anytime?? This is America’s Pastime. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about this. Several of his Dodgers teammates reposted the message, widening the circle of active players questioning the broadcast choices during the postseason.

Sydney Sweeney Novig Campaign and Broader Industry Debate

At the center of the advertising debate is Sydney Sweeney, who released a commercial on October 11, 2026, for the sports prediction platform Novig wearing white underwear bearing the company name while covering her chest with footballs. Sweeney defended her commercial work by pointing to athletes who previously posed nude for ESPN’s Body Issue, while actress Sharon Stone argued that women’s sports shouldn’t be reduced to attracting male attention for gambling. Meanwhile, social media users debated the boundaries of family-friendly television versus legal adult advertising during live sports windows.

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