Pirates says verbal deal reached in players’ union suit over image use by team, Sheetz [Video]

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates said Thursday a verbal agreement had been reached to settle a lawsuit by Major League Baseball Players Association against the team’s parent company and the convenience store chain Sheetz Inc. alleging unlicensed use of players’ names and images on social media.

MLB Players Inc., a union business subsidiary, filed a complaint Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh claiming violation of Pennsylvania law regarding the unauthorized use of name and likenesses, common law misappropriation of identity and unjust enrichment. MLB Players Inc. asked for an injunction against the team and Sheetz in addition to damages.

The Pirates announced a jersey patch sponsorship deal with Sheetz on June 21. The suit alleges posts on Instagram, X and Facebook by the team and Sheetz improperly used the …