Frank Thomas Sues White Sox and Nike Over Jersey Sales

Legendary slugger alleges unauthorized use of his name and likeness on specialty jerseys

Mar. 25, 2026 at 2:50am

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Chicago White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the team, Nike, and Fanatics, alleging they violated his publicity rights by selling specialty jerseys featuring his name and number without his consent and without compensating him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between athletes and sports teams/brands over the commercial use of player names, likenesses, and identities. As sports merchandising becomes an increasingly lucrative business, players are seeking greater control and compensation for the use of their brand.

The details

According to the complaint, the White Sox began selling their City Connect 2.0 jerseys featuring Thomas' name and number in April 2025 without his permission. Thomas' attorneys allege this violates the Illinois Right of Publicity Act, which prohibits the commercial use of a person's identity without their consent.

  • The White Sox began selling the jerseys featuring Thomas' name and number in April 2025.

The players

Frank Thomas

A Hall of Fame slugger who spent 16 of his 19 MLB seasons with the Chicago White Sox, where he holds the franchise records for runs, doubles, home runs, and RBIs.

Chicago White Sox

The professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that competes in Major League Baseball.

Nike

A multinational corporation that is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment.

Fanatics

A leading provider of licensed sports merchandise and operates e-commerce sites for major professional sports leagues.

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What they’re saying

“Companies may not profit from anyone's identity without their permission. We believe our filing speaks for itself.”

— William T. Gibbs, Attorney for Frank Thomas

What’s next

The judge will need to rule on whether the White Sox and their partners violated Thomas' publicity rights by selling the jerseys without his consent.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges professional athletes face in maintaining control over the commercial use of their name, image, and likeness, especially as sports merchandising becomes an increasingly lucrative industry.