DraftKings Resolves Dispute with MLB Players, Ending Court Battle

DraftKings has reached a resolution to its dispute with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), putting an end to a court battle. The case revolved around the operator’s alleged unauthorized use of athlete imagery and names in its apps and social media posts.

The Case Comes to a Close

According to the lawsuit by MLB Players, a business division of the MLBPA, DraftKings and Bet365 had used the names, imagery and likeness of all MLB players to promote their products. However, neither company was licensed to do so, causing MLB Players to seek compensation and punitive damages.

DraftKings asserted that it could use player imagery due to the fact that its products provided newsworthy content. For context, an earlier case in Indiana involving FanDuel had secured exemptions for daily fantasy sports products due to their newsworthy nature.

In this case, however, US District Judge Karen Spencer Marston did not accept this argument, asserting that DraftKings’ use of player imagery was clearly commercial and not journalistic. As a result, she refused to dismiss the case as DraftKings had asked her to do a year ago.

In September 2025, DraftKings and the MLBPA agreed to settle the matter. As a result, Judge Martson has now filed an official dismissal order, finally bringing the case to an end.

Not the First Time DraftKings Has Been in Trouble

The MLBPA case, however, is not the first time DraftKings has come under fire due to its use of player imagery. At this very moment, the company faces a complaint from the NCAA due to its unlicensed use of the March Madness brand for the promotion of its sports betting products.

At the same time, DraftKings is facing additional trouble due to the alleged addictive nature of its micro-betting products. The company has also been accused of using deceptive wording in the marketing of some of its products, downplaying the risk associated with gambling.