The Major League Baseball Players' Association has lost its lawsuit against fantasy baseball leagues for using players' names and statistics without permission. Facts aren't property — even when they're facts about you.
In a 2-1 decision, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that CBC Distribution and Marketing Inc. doesn't have to pay the players, even though it profits by using their names and statistics.
The Major League Baseball Players Association had argued that companies like CBC are essentially stealing money from players, who charge big fees to endorse things like tennis shoes and soft drinks. The ruling could have a broad impact on the fantasy league industry, which generates more than $1.5 billion annually from millions of participants.
(Thanks, Jason!)
