FanDuel, MLBPA Settle NIL Suit
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLPBA) settled litigation with FanDuel over the sportsbook operator’s alleged unauthorized use of union members’ name, image, and likeness (NIL).
In September, the union representing the league’s athletes sued multiple sports wagering companies in New York and Philadelphia courts, claiming that the operators were using images of Major Baseball (MLB) players on their sports betting platforms without the consent of the union and without compensating those athletes.
A copy of the settlement between FanDuel and the union indicates the suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the MLBPA cannot renew the same litigation at a later date.
(The union and FanDuel) shall each bear their own attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with this matter,” according to a copy of the settlement.
The professional baseball labor group acknowledged the agreement, but hasn’t commented further on the matter.
Settlement Could Be Good News for Other Operators
When the MLBPA litigation was revealed in September, FanDuel was one of four gaming companies the union was targeting. The others were bet365, DraftKings, and Underdog Fantasy. FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy were sued by the union in the New York State Supreme Court. It’s not yet clear if Underdog has been removed from that suit.
The MLBPA’s suit against bet365 and DraftKings was filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. As of yet, there is no word on any settlement pertaining to that litigation, but it’s possible the settlement with FanDuel could pave the way for similar agreements to be reached.
