There are few players in Chicago White Sox history as respected and beloved as Hall of Fame first baseman/designated hitter Frank Thomas. The “Big Hurt” played 16 seasons of his 18-year in Chicago and smashed 448 of his 521 career home runs wearing a White Sox uniform.
Unfortunately, it is that same White Sox uniform that he donned so well for so many years that has suddenly become the source of conflict between the legendary slugger and the team.
Frank Thomas is suing the Chicago White Sox
According to multiple reports, Thomas is suing the White Sox, as well as multiple jersey manufacturers, for selling city connect jerseys with his name and number on them. He has not received any form of payment for the use of his name.
“Thomas filed the lawsuit March 19 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging violations of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act.
“The complaint claimed companies including Nike, Fanatics and the White Sox sold ‘City Connect 2.0’ jerseys featuring Thomas’ name and his No. 35 beginning in April 2025 without his consent or compensation.
“According to the filing, the jerseys were marketed and sold with team branding while using Thomas’ identity for commercial gain.
“Thomas argued he has not had a contract with the companies allowing use of his name and likeness and has not received payment tied to the merchandise sales.”
Here is a social media post depicting the jerseys that are the subject of the lawsuit:
Frank Thomas is suing the Chicago White Sox, Nike and Fanatics for selling City Connect jerseys using his name without receiving his permission or compensating him for it, per @royalpratt pic.twitter.com/XlMVXhyr6n
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 24, 2026
As Fox notes, the lawsuit was filed last week on March 19. Undoubtedly, this process will drag on for months before there is a resolution.
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