Baseball Hall of Famer sues his old team saying they used his name and number on jersey sales without permission

Major League Baseball Hall of Fame player Frank Thomas is suing several companies , including the Chicago White Sox , for using his name to sell merchandise without his permission. Thomas filed his lawsuit on March 19 in the Cook County Circuit Court, according to Fox 32 Chicago . His lawsuit alleges that companies including Nike , Fanatics, and his old team—the White Sox—have been selling 'City Connect 2.

0" jerseys that feature his name and his player number without his consent. The jerseys have been on sale since April 2025, and he claims he was never compensated for the sales. He further argues that he has no contract with the companies using his name and number.

"The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right to Publicity Act. Companies may not profit from anyone’s identity without their permission. We believe our filing speaks for itself," attorney William Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio said in the lawsuit.

Frank Thomas is suing the White Sox, Nike, and Fanatics for selling a jersey using his name and number without his consent or compensation (Getty Images) The lawsuit claims that the use of his name and number violates the "fundamental principles of justice, equity, good conscience, and fair play. " Thomas is seeking damages, which include profits from merchandise sold with his name and number, as well as other financial losses. He has also asked for a jury trial.