Frank Thomas Sues White Sox, Nike, and Fanatics Over Jersey Sales

Adding to the growing list of grievances against MLB’s jersey partnerships, Frank Thomas, a Chicago White Sox legend, has launched a lawsuit. He claims that his former team, along with Nike and Fanatics, “illegally” sold jerseys featuring his name and number without his permission or any financial compensation.

Thomas, who played for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005 and won two MVP awards during his career, argues that he has experienced “financial harm.” The lawsuit states that the trio—comprised of the White Sox, Nike, and Fanatics—used his name and his retired number 35 to promote and sell the “City Connect 2.0” jersey without his consent.

In his complaint filed in Illinois state court, Thomas emphasized his commercial identity’s value, mentioning he protects it through various means, including trademarking his nickname, “Big Heart.” He insists that without his approval, the defendants have profited by selling merchandise using his identity.

At 57, Thomas contends that the White Sox and their retail affiliates have “unjustly enriched themselves” by leveraging his fame. He highlights his accolades—including five All-Star selections and four Silver Slugger awards—claiming their actions conflict with principles of justice and fairness.

The lawsuit references the Illinois Right of Publicity Act, which prohibits using someone’s identity for commercial benefit without consent. “Companies should not profit from someone’s identity without their permission,” stated William T. Gibbs, Thomas’s attorney, indicating that their claims speak for themselves.

The lawsuit also identifies several entities as potential discovery defendants, which include the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, and Macy’s, suggesting they may hold information about additional defendants who could be included in the case.