Frank Thomas reportedly suing White Sox, Nike, Fanatics over allegedly profiting from jersey sales without his consent
· Yahoo Sports
Frank Thomas’ name is all over the Chicago White Sox record book. He’s the club’s leader in home runs, RBI and OPS, among several other categories. But the Hall of Fame slugger has a complicated relationship with the franchise he once starred for, and the latest chapter of that topsy-turvy dynamic is reportedly unfolding in Illinois’ Cook County circuit court.
Thomas is suing the White Sox, Nike and Fanatics over allegedly profiting from jersey sales without his consent, according to multiplereports Tuesday. He’s reportedly seeking at least $50,000 and punitive damages. The suit also demands a jury trial, per ESPN’s report.
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Additionally, Thomas claims he hasn’t received compensation or other consideration for the use of his name and likeness in selling City Connect 2.0 jerseys, according to The Athletic’s report.
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The jerseys in question featured a Chicago Bulls crossover. They were designed with a red and black colorway that pays homage to owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s other team in the Windy City. The Bulls are attached as a respondent in discovery in the suit, along with the Baseball Hall of Fame and retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy, Kohl’s, Lids and Macy’s, per The Athletic.
Thomas’ No. 35, which was retired by the White Sox in 2010, and his last name are on a City Connect 2.0 jersey sold by the team. It’s still available on Nike and Fanatics’ websites.
“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right to Publicity Act," Thomas' attorney, William T. Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio, said in a statement to ESPN.
“Companies may not profit from anyone's identity without their permission. We believe our filing speaks for itself."
On May 21, a case management hearing is scheduled to take place in a Cook County circuit court, per ESPN.
Just last month, Thomas took a shot at the White Sox, whom he played for in 16 of his 19 MLB seasons. The team’s social media account posted a timeline of team Black history to celebrate the first day of Black History Month on Feb. 1. Thomas wasn’t highlighted in the graphic and is only mentioned in reference under a section about Dick Allen becoming the first Black player in franchise history to win AL MVP.
“I Guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable!” he wrote on X in response at the time. “Don’t worry I’m taking Receipts!”
In celebration of Black History Month, we reflect upon momentous firsts for the White Sox organization. pic.twitter.com/kCW4WmtamQ
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 1, 2026
Thomas won AL MVP twice, in back-to-back seasons. He did so in 1993 and 1994. He was an All-Star five straight years from 1993-97. In the final season of that prolific stretch, he clocked out as the AL batting champ.
Thomas’ decade-plus run with the White Sox came to an end in 2005. Before that, however, things got quite tense, especially after then-general manager Ken Williams triggered a “diminished skills” clause in Thomas’ contract that reduced his base salary to $250,000 after a 2002 campaign that still saw him hit north of .250 and pile up 28 home runs and 92 RBI. Nevertheless, as a result, $10.125 million on Thomas’ deal was deferred over 10 years without interest, as reported by ESPN.
Thomas finished his playing career with the Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s best known for his time with the White Sox, though, even as his relationship with the club grows increasingly tenuous.