Arabic version: نوفيغ تسجّل نمواً بعد حملة سيدني سويني

According to Cnbc, Novig said trading volume rose nearly 94% and first-time depositors increased more than 218% when comparing the 20 days before and after the launch of its “Just Sports” campaign in early September. The campaign starred actress Sydney Sweeney and promoted the platform’s focus on sports event contracts.

Novig launched as a federally regulated prediction market in early August and unveiled the advertisement on Sept. 9. In the campaign video, Sweeney said the platform did not offer contracts involving wars, deaths or politics. Co-founder Jacob Fortinsky said that approach led Sweeney to approach Novig about taking an equity stake. The company did not disclose the size of her stake.

Fortinsky told CNBC that active users rose 96% month over month and 260% year over year in September. App downloads increased by more than 187%. He said Novig had not expected the campaign, combined with the official start of the NFL season, to generate that level of volume and first-time users.

The advertisement also drew criticism from some female athletes, who said it harmed progress in perceptions of women in sports. Fortinsky said the campaign was intended to clarify Novig’s offering rather than represent female athletes, and said the company respected the views expressed. He said Novig was proud of the work and viewed the overall reception as positive.

Novig allows users aged 21 and older, while Kalshi and Polymarket U.S. allow users over 18. The company has also sued multiple states, arguing they cannot regulate its sports event contracts. The Wall Street Journal reported Novig is raising funding at a $2 billion valuation; Forbes reported that its February $75 million Series B valued the company at $500 million.