• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Law

Lawsuits Allege Widespread Copyright Violations by NBA Teams

  • It’s not the first time music companies have sought copyright infringement for such cases.
  • The companies are seeking combined millions in compensation from the cases.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Nearly half the NBA is headed to a different kind of court.

Independent music labels, such as Kobalt Music, Artist Publishing Group, and Prescription Songs, are suing 14 teams for copyright infringement, alleging teams used songs in social media videos without their permission, including the Knicks, Sixers, and Suns. 

The lawsuits were filed in 14 separate cases by the same attorneys Friday. The five companies accused each team of using copyrighted music on social media to “increase viewership” and “engage its fanbase.” 

Spokespeople for multiple teams named in the lawsuit and the NBA league office did not immediately respond to Front Office Sports’ requests for comment. 

Each case is seeking up to $150,000 in damages for each infringement, an injunction against further infringement and attorneys fees. Totaled up among the 14 teams and the plaintiffs could be rewarded millions of dollars, depending upon the total number of posts that qualify for infringement. 

While the 14 lawsuits are all slightly tailored for each team, the main allegation is the same: Teams stole music they knew they were supposed to pay for. The case against the Knicks specifically accuses them of using songs by “New York legends” Jay-Z and Cardi B. The complaint against the Hawks mentions “Atlanta’s own” OutKast and Migos. 

The lawsuits also target the Cavaliers, Magic, Nuggets, Blazers, Pacers, Heat, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, and Spurs. 

Social media platforms such as Instagram provide massive libraries to allow users to add music to their posts, but the feature comes with a caveat: The content can’t be used for commercial or promotional purposes. 

Labels have sued over their copyrights before. Bang Energy was sued by Universal and Sony for using hundreds of copyrighted songs in TikTok videos and were successful in court. The Beastie Boys recently sued the owner of restaurant chain Chili’s for using their famous song, “Sabotage,” in social media clips that did a bit off its famous music video. 

“Defendants are acutely aware of the protections that the copyright laws of the United States afford,” lawyers Anthony Motta, Douglas Johnson, and Dan Lifschitz for the music companies wrote in each lawsuit, all of which were filed in the Southern District of New York. “[The team] utilizes the full extent of legal protections available for its own intellectual property while simultaneously knowingly and willfully infringing on the intellectual property rights of the plaintiffs.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Bill Ackman
exclusive

Billionaire Bill Ackman Prepares for ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Tennis Match in..

Ackman says he’s “peaking next week” at the Hall of Fame Open.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Hot Dog Maven George Shea on Chestnut Comeback and Investor Interest

George Shea runs a real estate PR firm and Major League Eating.

Featured Today

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
Wimbledon
June 25, 2025

Players Suing Tennis Begin Negotiations With Grand Slams

They may add the Slams as defendants if talks fail in 90 days.
Wander Franco
June 26, 2025

Wander Franco Convicted of Child Sex Abuse, Receives 2-Year Suspended Sentence

Franco can avoid jail time but is unlikely to return to MLB.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the game between the Browns and the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium
June 24, 2025

Unearthed NFL Arbitration Ruling Raises More Questions Than Answers

The NFL was cleared of collusion, but new questions have emerged.
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
June 24, 2025

James Harden Sued for Negligence in Sexual Assault Case

Harden hosted the party where the alleged incident happened.
Jun 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.
June 24, 2025

Tatis Sues Big League Advance for ‘Predatory’ Future Earnings Deal

Tatis would owe $34 million from his current deal alone.
Jul 7, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) react after striking out during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium.
June 23, 2025

Former Yankee Josh Donaldson Wins $222K in Lawsuit Against Landlord

Donaldson played the 2022 and 2023 seasons for the Yankees.