MLB Players and FanDuel Sportsbook Announce Licensing Deal

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

Last updated on: November 27, 2024, 11:21h.

MLB Players Inc., a commercial affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association, has announced they’ve reached a licensing agreement with FanDuel Sportsbook, dropping a lawsuit against the company launched in September.

MLB Players Inc. has announced a licensing agreement with FanDuel Sportsbook, dropping their lawsuit. Image/Mark Keast

Lawsuit Dropped

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.

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

The deal announced yesterday is a non-exclusive 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 yesterday.

MLB Players Association agrees to drop lawsuit against FanDuel as part of a new deal. Image/Mark Keast

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, 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 U.S. 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 Christian Genetski, President, FanDuel, in a statement.

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