Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call has called on Major League Baseball (MLB) and its TV partners to stop airing what he described as 'soft porn ads' during playoff games. The baseball player raised concerns about children seeing revealing commercials while watching the sport with their parents.
Call shared his complaint on X on Wednesday, 14 October, after another parent criticised the ads shown during playoff broadcasts. His post mentioned networks TBS, Fox, and NBC, as well as MLB, and asked why families should worry about such content while watching baseball at home.
Call Questions Playoff Ads
Call made his feelings clear in a post on X, where he asked broadcasters to remove the ads from playoff coverage. He explained that his son wanted to watch baseball with him but said he was concerned about having to explain why women wearing little clothing might appear on screen.
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. https://t.co/7YAWSZgo5d
— Alex Call (@ACAD_27) October 14, 2026
'This is America's Pastime. Parents shouldn't have to worry about this,' Call wrote. His message quickly drew attention online, adding to the debate about whether some commercials shown during major sporting events are suitable for younger viewers.
The post also echoed concerns raised by Taylor Murphy, another X user who had complained about the ads while watching playoff games with children. Murphy argued that baseball could attract more young fans if families could watch games without worrying about the commercials appearing during breaks.
Sydney Sweeney Ad Sparks Debate
One of the commercials drawing attention features actress Sydney Sweeney promoting Novig, a sports prediction market platform. The campaign shows Sweeney using sports equipment, including balls, to cover parts of her body while delivering the brand's message.
The ad has drawn criticism from viewers who believe its revealing images are not suitable for children watching baseball. Call did not name Sweeney directly in his post, but reports have linked his complaint to the Novig commercial airing during MLB playoff broadcasts.
The campaign has also attracted attention beyond baseball, with its use of suggestive images becoming a talking point online. While some viewers have questioned the ad's place during family viewing, others see the discussion as part of a wider debate about advertising, personal choice and what audiences should expect during live sports.
Why Parents Are Speaking Out
Murphy's original post called on MLB to consider the kinds of commercials shown during games, arguing that the content could affect whether parents feel comfortable watching baseball with their children. Call backed that concern by asking the league and its broadcast partners to take action.
The issue highlights a challenge for sports broadcasters, which must balance advertising deals with viewer expectations. Playoff games attract large audiences, including families, so commercials can reach children even when the main event is sport rather than adult-oriented entertainment.
For parents, the concern is not just one commercial, but what children may see during a family activity. Call's comments have fueled the debate over whether broadcasters should consider their audience's age when choosing which ads run during major sporting events.
Will MLB Respond to Criticism?
Call's post directly addressed MLB and its broadcast partners, including TBS, Fox and NBC. However, his criticism does not confirm that the league or the networks will change their advertising choices in response.
The discussion also raises questions about who decides which ads suit sports broadcasts. Broadcasters and advertisers must balance their commercial goals with the expectations of viewers watching games with children.
The debate continues online, with Call's comments highlighting the role of advertising in family sports viewing. It remains unclear whether the criticism will lead to changes in future playoff broadcasts.
