The lawsuit against FanDuel, filed in New York State court, alleged unauthorized use of player names and likenesses. It argued, “For professional athletes, the ability to control the commercial use of their names, images, and likenesses is a crucial return on their substantial career investment.”
However, after just two months, the matter was settled through a confidential licensing agreement. Both FanDuel and the MLBPA agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the lawsuit cannot be refiled in court. Additionally, the settlement stipulates that each party will cover its own legal fees and costs.
While the exact terms of the licensing agreement remain undisclosed, such agreements typically allow companies to legally use athletes’ images and likenesses. Maintaining confidentiality on the agreement may help avoid further complications for both parties.
The MLBPA has also pursued legal action against other betting operators. In New York, the Association filed a similar lawsuit against Underdog Sports, while a federal lawsuit in Philadelphia names DraftKings and bet365 as defendants.
