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Frank Thomas Sues White Sox, Nike Over Branded Jerseys Sold Without Hall of Famer’s Permission

Chicago White Sox great Frank Thomas is suing his former team and Nike, alleging they sold City Connect jerseys branded with his last name and jersey number without his permission.

The Baseball Hall of Famer filed the lawsuit in Cook County court this month, alleging the White Sox, as well as Nike and the sports apparel company Fanatics, profited by using Thomas’ name and likeness without first getting his approval.

“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right to Publicity Act,” attorney William Gibbs, of the Corboy & Demetrio law firm which filed the suit on Thomas’ behalf, said in a statement. “Companies may not profit from anyone’s identity without their permission. We believe our filing speaks for itself.”

The complaint alleges that “City Connect 2.0” jerseys — a series of alternate uniforms worn during the 2025 season — bearing Thomas’ name and his “35” jersey number were designed and sold without his consent.

Thomas, who played the first 16 seasons of his career in Chicago where he was twice named American League MVP, received no compensation for those sales, the lawsuit alleged, despite his commercial likeness remaining “extremely valuable.”

The lawsuit was first reported on by Law360.

Spokespersons for the White Sox and Nike declined to comment Tuesday. Fanatics spokespersons did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Thomas retired from baseball after signing a one-day contract with the White Sox in February 2010. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

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