MLBPA Sues Bookmakers: Illegal Use of Player Images Sparks Court Battle

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has filed two lawsuits against betting operators, accusing them of illegally using players' images to promote their services.

The lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania and the New York Supreme Court. The MLBPA alleges that the bookies did not obtain the players' consent to use their names and images. Defendants include DraftKings, bet365, FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy.

The lawsuits include numerous examples of the use of images of baseball players in marketing materials, social media and apps without permission. The MLBPA called it a "clear and egregious" violation.

Professional athletes are typically compensated for the use of their images in advertising, but the MLBPA points out that some players may not want to be associated with gambling.

The association also cited a similar lawsuit filed by NFL players against DraftKings, arguing that the violations create an unfair situation for athletes.

The MLBPA is seeking damages for the unauthorized use of its players' images in betting.