Congress demands MLB to end player endorsements with sportsbooks

In the United States, three Congress members sent a letter to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on August 8, 2026, urging them to prohibit promotional deals with betting operators. This action was prompted by a controversial video featuring Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, who appeared in a personalized video for a FanDuel VIP customer. The fan, Terry Thompson, had reportedly wagered $18.5 million with FanDuel and lost $1.5 million, leading to concerns about the implications of such endorsements on vulnerable fans. The letter highlighted the systemic issues within MLB's policies that allow players to engage in endorsement deals with sportsbooks, as long as they do not promote betting on baseball itself. The Congress members expressed their discontent with the current situation, stating that it raises broader concerns about the relationship between sports leagues and betting companies, which can lead to addiction and financial ruin for fans. They demanded answers from MLB and MLBPA by August 24, 2026, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address these predatory promotions and protect fans from potential harm. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of player endorsements in the context of sports betting, especially as MLB and MLBPA are in the process of renegotiating their collective bargaining agreement.