Frank Thomas, the Hall of Famer Chicago still known as the "Big Hurt" and has taken his old team and several sportswear heavyweights to court, accusing them of selling "City Connect 2.0" jerseys with his name and No. 35 without his permission. His suit in Cook County seeks money damages and a jury trial.
What the complaint says
In a complaint filed March 19, Thomas alleges Nike, Fanatics, and the Chicago White Sox designed, manufactured, and sold updated "City Connect 2.0" jerseys bearing "THOMAS" and the number "35" beginning on April 28, 2025. He says the jerseys were marketed with team branding for commercial gain and that he has not received any payment tied to that merchandise, according to the filing in the Circuit Court of Cook County, as reported by Fox 32 Chicago.
Who’s named in the suit
The lawsuit names Nike, Fanatics, and Fanatics Apparel, along with Chicago White Sox Ltd., and lists the National Baseball Hall of Fame and several national retailers as respondents in discovery. The complaint attaches images of the City Connect 2.0 jersey and photos of a mannequin display inside the White Sox team store, using those visuals to support Thomas's claims about how the merchandise was presented and sold.
Lawyers and the claim
Thomas brings his claims under the Illinois Right of Publicity Act (765 ILCS 1075), a statute that gives individuals control over the commercial use of their name and likeness. His attorney, William T. Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio, has said the filing alleges violations of that law and argues that companies should not profit from a person's identity without first getting permission.
Court schedule and case details
The civil cover sheet lists the Cook County case number as 2026L003200 and sets an initial case-management date of May 21, 2026. The complaint also demands a 12-person jury. Thomas is seeking monetary relief that includes disgorgement of profits and other damages beyond the statutory minimum, along with attorneys' fees and punitive damages.
Backstory with the Sox
The legal fight arrives after a very public bit of friction between Thomas and the club. In February, he criticized the White Sox for leaving him out of the team's Black History Month social post, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. That recent tension gives the lawsuit a familiar local backdrop, even as the legal questions revolve around licensing and publicity rights.
Why the case matters
Disputes like this often boil down to who actually controls specific licensing rights and whether a particular use of a name and number is a commercial appropriation under Illinois law. Legal guides and analysts note that the answers, about individual contracts, group-licensing deals, and the reach of a team's merchandising rights, can shape how clubs, licensors, and retailers handle retro and alternate jerseys going forward.
For now, Thomas has put the issue squarely on a Chicago docket, and the complaint itself serves as the main record of his claims. The case will unfold in Cook County, where the outcome could influence how retired players are compensated when their identities show up on fresh merchandise for old fans.
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