
FanDuel and MLB Players Association Reach Settlement in Name and Image Rights Lawsuit
FanDuel and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have reached a settlement in their name, image, and likeness (NIL) dispute, with the case being dismissed with prejudice.
The settlement resolves the September lawsuit filed by MLBPA, which alleged FanDuel used MLB players' images on their sports betting platforms without proper authorization or compensation.
According to the settlement documents, both parties will cover their own legal fees and expenses. The MLBPA has acknowledged the agreement but hasn't provided additional comments.
This resolution could set a precedent for similar pending cases against other gaming operators, including bet365, DraftKings, and Underdog Fantasy. The MLBPA originally filed suits in both New York State Supreme Court and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The core issue of the lawsuit centered on sportsbook operators using player images to promote proposition betting without compensating the athletes or obtaining proper permissions. The MLBPA argued this unauthorized use could potentially harm players' long-term earning potential, particularly given baseball's statistical nature doesn't require player images to facilitate prop betting.
The settlement terms could influence how sports betting operators handle player image rights in the future, potentially establishing new industry standards for NIL usage in sports wagering marketing.
Key Settlement Points:
- Case dismissed with prejudice
- Each party bears own legal costs
- MLBPA cannot refile same litigation
- Could influence pending cases against other operators
- Sets potential precedent for NIL rights in sports betting
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