MLB Players Association Drops Lawsuit Against FanDuel, Announces New Licensing Deal

Posted on: November 27, 2024, 11:19h. 

Last updated on: November 27, 2024, 11:34h.

Mark Keast Read More
Expertise: Canadian Gaming, iGaming, Las Vegas, Sports Betting, NFL, Boxing, UFC.

MLB Players Inc., a commercial affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced that its reached a licensing agreement with FanDuel Sportsbook, dropping a lawsuit launched against the sportsbook in September.

MLB Players Inc. has announced a licensing agreement with FanDuel Sportsbook, dropping its lawsuit against the company. (Image/Mark Keast)

MLB Players Inc. is responsible for managing all commercial activities of the Major League Players Association, including licensing, corporate sponsorship, media, promotions, sweepstakes, contests, and events.

In September, the MLB players’ union sued FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy in the New York Supreme Court, accusing them of using the names and likenesses of ballplayers without permission.

The deal announced Tuesday is a nonexclusive product and marketing licensing agreement with the sportsbook along with OneTeam Partners, a commercial partner of the union. The suit against Underdog is still pending.

FanDuel Looks to Expand MLB Partnership

The players’ union has also filed a suit against DraftKings Inc. and Bet365 Group Ltd. That suit is still pending in a Philadelphia court.

MLB Players, Inc. is always looking for new opportunities to grow our group licensing program on behalf of our players and this license builds on our existing agreements in this new category of revenue,” said MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark in a statement. “We look forward to working with FanDuel on this partnership.”

OneTeam is the MLBPA’s commercial partner and facilitated the partnership announced on Tuesday.

Lawsuit against DraftKings Still Pending

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to maximizing the business potential of MLB players in the sports betting market,” said Frank Arthofer, president of OneTeam. “FanDuel will set a new standard for OSB (online sports betting) product player collaborations that drives value for all parties involved.”

The collaboration allows FanDuel to build new player-centric features across its online sportsbook platform starting in 2025, across platforms and campaigns in the US and Canada.

“We look forward to the collaboration with MLB Players Inc., which will allow for the development of player-centric opportunities on our platforms,” said FanDuel President Christian Genetski in a statement.