On Monday, the MLB Players Association took legal action against several sports betting and fantasy baseball companies.
They filed lawsuits in New York and Pennsylvania, accusing DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and bet365 of using players’ names and images without permission. The lawsuits were initiated by MLB Players Inc., the business arm of the union.
“Indeed, nearly every active MLB player’s image is displayed on defendants’ websites and mobile apps,” the lawsuit reads. “MLB player names, images, and likenesses are also featured prominently in advertising on both DraftKings Sportsbook and bet365’s social media, including in posts encouraging customers to place bets on the featured player.”
The lawsuit argues that these images are not needed for betting platforms since they don’t use NFL players’ images similarly. “Defendants’ use of player images within their sportsbook platforms is not merely informational—it is promotional,” it states. Users can bet on games or individual performances without needing to see player photos.
Legal Battle Over Player Likenesses:
The MLBPA believes that showing players’ likenesses might imply an endorsement of sports betting or specific platforms. This confusion could be due to frequent sports betting ads during game broadcasts.
Fans might think it’s odd that these companies didn’t get proper licenses before using player images.
DraftKings and Underdog did not respond for comments immediately. FanDuel declined to comment altogether.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial with potential damages exceeding $150,000. Just last month, the MLBPA settled another lawsuit against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Sheetz over similar issues regarding unauthorized use of player names in advertisements.
What do you think about this situation?
