DraftKings Settles MLB Players Association Lawsuit, Concluding Legal Fight

(AsiaGameHub) –   DraftKings has settled its dispute with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), bringing an ongoing legal battle to a close. The case centered on accusations that the operator used athletes’ names and imagery without permission on its apps and social media posts.

The Case Draws to a Conclusion

Per the lawsuit filed by MLB Players, a business branch of the MLBPA, DraftKings and Bet365 had used the names, imagery and likeness of all MLB players to promote their products. Neither company held the required licensing for this usage, however, prompting MLB Players to pursue compensation and punitive damages.

DraftKings argued that it was permitted to use player imagery because its products deliver newsworthy content. For context, a previous Indiana court case involving FanDuel had obtained exemptions for daily fantasy sports products on the basis of their newsworthy nature.

In this case, however, US District Judge Karen Spencer Marston rejected this argument, stating that DraftKings’ use of player imagery was clearly commercial rather than journalistic. As a result, she denied DraftKings’ year-old request to have the case dismissed.

In September 2025, DraftKings and the MLBPA reached a settlement to resolve the matter. Following this agreement, Judge Marston has now issued an official dismissal order, formally bringing the case to a close.

This Is Not DraftKings’ First Controversy

The MLBPA case is not the first time DraftKings has faced criticism over its use of player imagery. Currently, the company is also dealing with a complaint from the NCAA over its unlicensed use of the March Madness brand to promote its sports betting products.

At the same time, DraftKings is facing additional scrutiny over claims that its micro-betting products are highly addictive. The company has also been accused of using misleading language in marketing for some of its offerings, downplaying the risks associated with gambling.