MLB Players Union Sues Sports Betting Companies Over Player Likenesses
The Major League Baseball Players Association has filed lawsuits against DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365 Group, and Underdog Fantasy. The union alleges that these sports betting companies have used the names and likenesses of hundreds of MLB players on their platforms without obtaining proper authorization.
Claims of Unauthorized Use of Player Images
According to the lawsuits, the defendants have displayed images of nearly every active MLB player on their websites and mobile applications. The players union contends that this use violates state laws protecting the right of publicity, which grants individuals control over the commercial use of their identities.
The union emphasizes that controlling the commercial use of their names, images, and likenesses is crucial for professional athletes. This control allows players to protect their personal brands and ensures they are not associated with companies or products they do not endorse or support.
The legal actions have been filed in different courts: DraftKings and bet365 Group are being sued in federal court in Philadelphia, while FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy face lawsuits in a New York state court in Manhattan. The players are seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.
Previous Legal Actions Involving NFL Players
This legal move comes shortly after the National Football League Players Association, represented by the same law firm, sued DraftKings for similar reasons. In that case, the issue involved the use of NFL player likenesses on non-fungible tokens without proper compensation.
The MLB players union points out that the defendants do not use NFL player likenesses on their platforms, suggesting a disparity in how different athletes are treated. The union argues that the use of MLB player images is intended to enhance consumer appeal and encourage more betting activity.
The players assert that bettors primarily need statistical data to make informed decisions, not images of the players. For example, users can place bets on specific outcomes, such as the number of home runs by certain players, without needing to see their photographs.
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