MLBPA and FanDuel Settle Lawsuit Over Use of Player Likenesses
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), through its for profit arm MLB Players Inc., has settled with FanDuel over the unauthorized use of MLB players’ names, images and likenesses. The lawsuit, which centered around FanDuel using player identities without proper licensing, has been dismissed with prejudice.
Background
The MLBPA claimed FanDuel “egregiously” violated the rights of almost all active MLB players by using their names, images and likenesses on the platform without proper permission.
For professional athletes, control over the commercial use of their identities is a key part of protecting their investment in their careers.
FanDuel did not respond to the allegations in court and the case has been settled without a court ruling.
Terms of the Settlement
The MLBPA released a statement but declined to comment further on the agreement. A FanDuel spokesperson also confirmed the settlement and the licensing deal but wouldn’t elaborate.
Both MLB Players Inc. and FanDuel will dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, so it can’t be refiled. Additionally, each side will pay their own legal fees and costs.
FanDuel and the MLBPA have signed a confidential licensing agreement which means FanDuel now has the proper permissions to use MLB player names and images.
This settles the importance of getting proper licensing agreements in the sportsbook industry especially when using professional athletes for promotional purposes. The lawsuit shows how much athletes value their names and likenesses as personal assets and as part of their marketability.
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