MLB Versus Draftkings: The Collision of Sports and Sportsbooks

Natalie Lebovitz | May 7, 2026

The MLBPA sued DraftKings and other online betting companies for the misuse of using their players name and likeness without permission. This is not the first time a case like this has come about as the two also had a dispute in 2024 for the same reason. For the recent lawsuit, players are looking to get compensation for the misuse of their name and likeness. Athletes care about the perceived control they have over the use of their name because it is important to the investment of their career. 

Another implication of the misuse of name and likeness is that it makes it seem like the players support a company when in reality they don’t. Players have a lot of risks when it comes to online sports betting and having their name out there can heighten those risks. The MLBPA filed this lawsuit after a recent NFL Players Union lawsuit but the difference is DraftKings does not display NFL player likeness as they do for MLB players. 

They said they are trying to make Baseball more appealing for sports betting by having likeness of the players available for users. (Olney, 2024). 

Although the details of the settlement were not publicly shared, it was dismissed with prejudice, meaning that the same lawsuit cannot be filed again. There was a permanent resolution. In simple terms, the two parties negotiated an end and the money of the settlement is not public information at this time.

References

Olney, B. (2024, September 16). MLB players' union names DraftKings, FanDuel in NIL suit. ESPN. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41292402/mlb-players-union-names-draftkings-fanduel-nil-suit