MLB Players v. DraftKings
In MLB Players, Inc. v. DraftKings, Inc., 771 F. Supp. 3d 513 (E.D. Pa. 2025), Major League Baseball players are suing the unrelated entities Defendants DraftKings, Inc., and bet365 Group Limited for using the players' unauthorized likeness for online sports betting, online casino, daily fantasy sports, and other consumer products. Defendants offer bets in states that have legalized sports betting, including "prop bets" on the performances of individual players. The Plaintiff MLB Players alleges "that Defendants have reaped billions of dollars in revenue through the expansion of the online sportsbook betting marketplace." MLB Players, Inc. v. DraftKings, Inc., 771 F. Supp. 3d 513 (E.D. Pa. 2025)
In March 2025, the federal judge in Philadelphia denied Defendants' motion to dismiss with this witty statement:
| “ | Baseball may still be America's favorite pastime, but sports gambling has become a serious threat to baseball's crown. Here, the two collide in a case where the law is as uncertain as a Phillies playoff run. After a thorough consideration of the briefing and the arguments made by counsel at oral argument on February 18, 2025, the Court denies Defendants' motions to dismiss (Doc. Nos. 34, 36). | ” |