The Major League Baseball (MLB) Players Union has filed lawsuits against leading sports betting companies, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Underdog Fantasy. The players accuse these platforms of using their names and images without permission. This growing dispute highlights the increasing concerns about athletes’ publicity rights as the sports betting industry expands rapidly.
MLB Players Challenge Unauthorized Use of Likenesses
The lawsuits argue that these platforms improperly used the identities of nearly all active MLB players on their websites and apps. According to the players, these actions violate their rights to control the commercial use of their likenesses. Professional athletes depend on maintaining control over their image to protect their brand value.
The players demand financial compensation, punitive damages, and the return of profits earned through these unauthorized actions. They stress the importance of preventing unapproved endorsements and protecting their professional integrity.
NFL Lawsuit Highlights Similar Issues for MLB Players
This legal battle mirrors a recent dispute where NFL players challenged DraftKings for using their images in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) without consent. Although DraftKings avoids using NFL players’ likenesses on its betting platform, MLB players claim the company takes a different approach with them. They believe DraftKings and other platforms exploit their likenesses to attract users and increase betting activity.
The MLB Players Union insists these platforms use player images not only for statistical purposes but also to promote their services. For example, DraftKings may feature Bryce Harper’s image alongside bets on his in-game performance, like hitting multiple home runs. By doing so, these companies leverage the popularity of players to boost profits without proper authorization.
Legal Implications of MLB Player's Lawsuits for Betting Platforms
These lawsuits arise as sports betting platforms expand aggressively. DraftKings, for instance, recently acquired Simplebet Inc., a leader in real-time sports betting technology. Despite this growth, MLB players argue that using their images for promotional purposes requires explicit consent.
The cases—MLB Players Inc. v. DraftKings Inc. et al and MLB Players Inc. v. Underdog Sports Inc. et al—could establish critical legal standards. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and New York State Supreme Court, these lawsuits aim to redefine how betting platforms handle athlete identities.
Impact on the Sports Betting Industry and Athlete Rights
The outcomes of these lawsuits could reshape the relationship between athletes and sports betting companies. They may also influence how fantasy sports and gambling platforms use player images in the future.
These legal challenges highlight the conflict between the rapid commercialization of sports betting and the need to respect athletes’ rights. MLB players want to maintain control over their personal branding. Meanwhile, betting platforms may face stricter rules, forcing them to rethink their marketing strategies.
