Frank Thomas files lawsuit against White Sox, alleging use of name and likeness without his permission
“Massive Damage” is attempting to inflict financial harm on the Chicago White Sox due to the use of his name and likeness without his permission.
In a lawsuit filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court naming the White Sox and sportswear companies Nike and Fanatics, Inc. as defendants, Frank Thomas, considered the best player in franchise history, alleged that the defendants profited by using his identity to sell products without his permission.
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Thomas, a Baseball Hall of Famer who won back-to-back AL MVP awards with the White Sox in 1993 and 1994 and remains the franchise’s all-time leader in multiple offensive categories, is seeking payment in excess of $50,000, as well as attorney fees and punitive damages. The civil complaint also states that Thomas is requesting a trial by jury.
The lawsuit alleges that on or about April 28, 2025, Nike, Fanatics and the White Sox used Thomas’ name and likeness to market and sell “City Connect 2.0” jerseys featuring No. 35 (Thomas’ jersey number, White Sox), with Thomas’ name on the front and No. 35 on the back, and Nike branding along with White Sox trademarks, logos and branding.
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According to the complaint, the defendants used Thomas’ name and likeness for commercial purposes without his consent, which his attorneys said violated the Illinois Right of Publicity Act.
“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act,” William T. Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio, the law firm representing Thomas, said in a statement. “Companies cannot profit from anyone’s identity without their permission. We believe our application is sufficient for this.”
The lawsuit says Thomas received no financial compensation for the use of his name and likeness, causing him to “suffer economic harm.” The complaint also states that the defendants’ use of Thomas’ name and likeness without his consent “violates the fundamental principles of justice, equality, conscience and fair play.”
When reached for comment WGN-TV On Tuesday, the White Sox said they do not comment on active litigation.
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