Sports betting and fantasy sports companies DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and bet365 are facing lawsuits for allegedly using Major League Baseball (MLB) players’ images and likenesses without permission. MLB Players Inc., the business arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, filed separate suits in New York and Pennsylvania, claiming that the companies used player images in prop bets without proper licensing agreements.
According to the lawsuits, these companies used player images for baseball prop bets, but did not do the same for football prop bets. The suits argue that this inconsistency suggests that the companies are using MLB player images for their own commercial advantage, associating their platforms closely with these players to promote the use of their websites and apps.
This is not the first time the MLBPA has taken legal action regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Just last month, Players Inc. sued the Pittsburgh Pirates and gas chain Sheetz over similar issues, resulting in an out-of-court settlement. The MLBPA has also shown support for Japan’s professional baseball union in NIL matters.
As of now, the companies involved have not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuits.
The use of player images and likenesses without permission raises important questions about the rights of athletes and the responsibility of sports betting and fantasy sports companies. Let’s explore some of these concerns in more detail.
## The Importance of Licensing Agreements
One of the key issues raised by these lawsuits is the necessity of licensing agreements between sports betting and fantasy sports companies and professional sports leagues. Licensing agreements ensure that the use of player images and likenesses is done with the proper authorization and compensation to the athletes involved.
Without licensing agreements, companies may be infringing on the rights of athletes and using their images for commercial gain without their consent. This not only undermines the players’ control over their own image and brand but also raises ethical and legal concerns.
## Protecting Athletes’ Rights
These lawsuits shed light on the importance of protecting athletes’ rights, including their name, image, and likeness. Athletes are public figures who have worked hard to establish their brand and reputation. Unauthorized use of their images can harm their personal and professional interests.
By taking legal action, the MLBPA is asserting the rights of its players and sending a message that unauthorized use of player images will not be tolerated. This serves as a reminder to sports betting and fantasy sports companies that they must respect the rights and interests of athletes if they want to maintain a positive and mutually beneficial relationship.
## Consistency in Prop Bet Offerings
The lawsuits also highlight the issue of inconsistency in prop bet offerings by sports betting companies. The suits claim that while these companies did not use player images for football prop bets, they did so for baseball prop bets. This suggests a deliberate effort to associate their platforms more closely with MLB players and attract users to place bets.
This inconsistency raises questions about fairness and equal treatment of athletes across different sports. If sports betting companies choose to use player images for prop bets in one sport, they should do so consistently across all sports. Failing to do so can be seen as preferential treatment and may lead to legal consequences, as we have seen in these lawsuits.
## The Future of NIL Rights
These lawsuits are part of a broader conversation surrounding the rights of athletes in the era of name, image, and likeness. With the recent changes in NIL regulations in the United States, athletes now have more control over their own brand and can profit from their name, image, and likeness.
As sports betting and fantasy sports continue to grow in popularity, it is crucial for companies to navigate these new regulations and respect the rights of athletes. Clear guidelines and licensing agreements can help ensure a fair and mutually beneficial relationship between athletes and these companies.
In conclusion, the lawsuits filed against DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and bet365 for using MLB player images without permission highlight important concerns regarding licensing agreements, athlete rights, consistency in prop bet offerings, and the future of NIL rights. These cases serve as a reminder that sports betting and fantasy sports companies must operate within legal boundaries and respect the rights of athletes to maintain a positive and trustworthy relationship.