A new scandal across DraftKings, FanDuel, and others
MLBPA, the Major League Baseball Players Association, sued DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Underdog Fantasy over image rights violations.
On Monday, September 16, 2024, the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) filed lawsuits against famous betting platforms, mentioning that they had unlawfully used players’ names and images without any proper permission.
Players’ images were used to attract more users and enhance operators’ betting appeal. Players themselves argue that their images were used primarily for promotional purposes, misleading users into believing they endorse these platforms.
According to Reuters, the lawsuits were filed in different jurisdictions. The Philadelphia federal court will charge DraftKings and Bet365, while the New York state court will charge FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy.
Lawsuits against sports betting operators
Sports betting operators may sometimes cooperate with different celebrities to boost their performances. However, sometimes illegal patterns are also being found.
Despite operators’ claims that most of the bettings were based on statistical data rather than player likenesses, MLBPA seeks both compensatory and punitive damages compensations, highlighting the importance of how player likenesses are utilized across different sports.
Recently, a similar lawsuit was submitted by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) against DraftKings for using NFL player images in NFTs without permission.
The MLBPA’s lawsuit reflects a growing trend among athletes and unions to protect their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
The betting platforms involved have yet to comment, but the outcomes of these cases could set significant legal precedents as sports betting continues to expand in the US.