Frank Thomas files suit against White Sox, Nike and Fanatics
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Dan Hajducky
Several authors
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago White Sox – the team he played with for 16 of his 19 MLB seasons – over what he claims was unauthorized use of his image on their uniforms.
The suit, which was filed in Cook County, Illinois, also names Nike and Fanatics as co-defendants, seeks a payment in excess of $50,000 and demands a jury trial. Thomas’ complaint stems from the team’s sale of City Connect 2.0 jerseys “on or about April 28, 2025” with Thomas’ number 35 on the front and Thomas’ name and number 35 on the back, alongside the team’s and Nike’s trademarks, logos and trademarks of the White Sox.
“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act,” Thomas’ attorney, William T. Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio, said in a statement to ESPN. “Companies cannot profit from a person’s identity without their permission. We believe our record speaks for itself.”
The White Sox said they do not comment on active litigation. The Major League Baseball Players Association could not be reached for comment, and Nike and Fanatics declined. A case management hearing is currently scheduled for May 21 in the Cook County Circuit Court courtroom.
This isn’t the first time Thomas has had friction with his former team. In 2002, when Thomas failed to make the All-Star team, finish in the top 10 in MVP voting or win a Silver Slugger, the White Sox and then-general manager Ken Williams invoked a “diminished skills” clause in Thomas’ contract that reduced his base salary to $250,000 and deferred $10.125 million over 10 years without interests.
In 2006, the five-time All-Star sued two White Sox doctors, claiming their misdiagnosis of a broken foot in 2004 aggravated the injury and led to his release in 2005. The White Sox were not a party to the lawsuit, and Thomas and the doctors settled in 2011.
And last month, the White Sox released a timeline of “landmark firsts” for Black History Month on Don’t worry, I take receipts!
Thomas, the American League MVP in 1993 and 1994, is the franchise’s all-time leader in offensive WAR, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, doubles, home runs, RBIs and walks, among other categories.
