Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-14**Lead**
A new Powerade commercial that takes a direct jab at a recent gambling advertisement starring actress Sydney Sweeney has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Major League Baseball fans. The 30-second spot, which aired during several MLB broadcasts this week, shows a man faced with a choice between a bottle of Powerade and a large video screen displaying Sweeney in a risqué pose for a sportsbook ad. Without hesitation, the man grabs the sports drink, prompting a voiceover that declares: “Some things are just too far. Powerade – fuel the real you.” The ad is widely seen as a pointed critique of the gambling industry’s use of suggestive imagery, but many viewers argue it is itself offensive and hypocritical.
**Context**
The controversy comes on the heels of a high-profile campaign for a leading sportsbook that featured Sydney Sweeney in a nude-themed advertisement. In that ad, Sweeney appears in a bathtub, covered only by froth, while inviting viewers to place bets. The spot drew its own share of criticism earlier this year for sexualizing gambling, but it also generated massive buzz. Powerade’s response ad, created by its longtime agency, was intended to position the drink as a wholesome alternative to what it calls “the sleaze of sports betting.” However, the execution has backfired. Instead of applauding Powerade for taking a stand, many MLB fans are accusing the brand of using Sweeney’s image without her consent and of engaging in the same kind of objectification it claims to condemn. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with posts using hashtags like #BoycottPowerade and #SaveOurAds.
Baseball fans, in particular, feel the ad is inappropriate for a family-oriented sport. MLB broadcasts traditionally have a wide demographic, including children. The Powerade spot, while not explicit, references the gambling ad so directly that it brings the same provocative imagery to mind. Parent groups have also voiced concern, noting that the ad normalizes the comparison between sports drinks and gambling as competing vices. The controversy has reignited a broader debate about the role of gambling advertisements in sports. Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, sportsbooks have become ubiquitous sponsors of leagues and broadcasts. The MLB itself has partnerships with several betting companies. Critics say this has led to an arms race in ad creativity, with brands increasingly pushing boundaries to stand out.
**Análise**
This incident highlights a growing tension between brands that want to appear socially responsible and the reality that shock value still sells. Powerade likely calculated that taking a swipe at a competitor in the attention economy would generate free media coverage – and it has. But the backlash shows that consumers are quick to detect hypocrisy. By using Sweeney’s image (albeit indirectly) to sell its own product, Powerade is arguably doing exactly what it accuses the gambling ad of doing: leveraging female sexuality to grab attention. The difference is that Powerade wraps its message in a moral veneer, which may come across as smug. The ad also risks alienating the very audience it targets: athletes and sports fans who may enjoy gambling responsibly. The MLB fanbase is not monolithic; many fans place bets legally and see no issue with suggestive advertising as long as it’s not explicit.
Furthermore, the controversy underscores the power of celebrity. Sydney Sweeney, star of HBO’s “Euphoria,” has a massive young following. Her representatives have not commented on the Powerade ad, but fans have rallied to her defense, accusing the drink company of “slut-shaming” her. Whether or not that accusation is fair, it reflects a cultural shift: audiences are less willing to accept the casual objectification of women, even in the name of satire. For brands, the lesson is that attempting to critique a trend while using the same tactics can backfire. As the lines between advertising and entertainment blur, companies must tread carefully. The Powerade ad may succeed in making people talk, but the conversation it has started is largely negative. Early metrics show a significant drop in positive sentiment toward the brand on social media, and some retailers have reported customer complaints.
**Fontes**
This article is based on publicly available reporting from multiple news outlets, including USA Today, The New York Post, and AdWeek, as well as aggregated social media reactions from X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit threads discussing the commercial. No official statements from Powerade, Sydney Sweeney’s representatives, or the MLB were used. The controversy is documented in real-time through media coverage and online discussions as of the third quarter of 2024.