NFLPA DraftKings lawsuit: Why is the association suing betting partner for $65,000,000?

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is the sole protector of players' rights within the NFL. Acting as a union, it signs contracts and negotiates on behalf of the players. Now it is taking the league’s betting partner to court in a $65 million lawsuit.

Last week, the Player Association filed a lawsuit in the federal court of the Southern District of New York. As per ESPN, the lawsuit claims that the NFL’s partner, DraftKings, is trying to terminate a contract they signed with the association in 2021. The contract pertains to the rights to use players' NILs.

DraftKings Sportsbook intended to use these for their NFT marketplace. However, in July, the betting company shut down its NFT operations, which is alleged to be the main reason for the contract termination without paying the minimum guarantees.

The NFLPA's lawyers have not disclosed the exact amount of the suit, but in their complaint, they said:

“The total compensation of just these five aforementioned officers ($261.1 million) since 2021 is approximately quadruple of what DraftKings owes the NFLPA Licensors.”

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The union's lawyers also put forth in their complaint, as per ESPN, that a loss in DraftKings’ business or inability to maintain profitability should not shelter them from fulfilling their previous financial commitments.

NFLPA shares stance on the 2028 LA Olympics

For the first time in Olympic history, football will be a sport in the medal category. Given that the Games will be held in USA, many wondered about the Players Association's stance on the matter. The union's Executive VP Troy Vincent made the path forward for NFL players clear:

"We believe that will take place," Vincent told reporters.

With this go-ahead, several NFL players have already put their hat in contention for participation in the next Olympics.