FanDuel has reached a settlement with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) regarding unauthorized use of players' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. The lawsuit, originally filed in September, has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning the MLBPA cannot refile the same claims.

The dispute centered on FanDuel's alleged use of MLB players' images on their sports betting platform without proper authorization or compensation. The settlement stipulates that both parties will cover their own legal fees and costs.

This settlement could potentially impact similar pending lawsuits against other gaming operators, including bet365, DraftKings, and Underdog Fantasy. The MLBPA had filed separate suits in New York State Supreme Court and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against these companies.

The original lawsuit claimed that gaming operators used player images to promote proposition betting without proper compensation or consent. The MLBPA argued that baseball's statistical nature made player images unnecessary for prop betting promotion, and unauthorized use could harm athletes' long-term earning potential.

Key points of the lawsuit:

• Filed in September 2024
• Multiple gaming companies targeted
• Focus on unauthorized NIL usage
• Concerned about commercial rights protection
• Settled with prejudice between FanDuel and MLBPA

The MLBPA has acknowledged the settlement but has not provided additional comments. The status of litigation against other operators remains pending.

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