Fanatics, the online retailer of licensed sportswear, has filed a lawsuit against Arizona Cardinals' first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. for allegedly breaching a contract that was signed in May 2023.
In a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court, Fanatics alleges that Harrison, the first wide receiver taken in the April NFL Draft, has refused to fulfill his obligations under a contract that was agreed upon last year. The merchandise giant claims that Harrison has "publicly asserted" that the contract does not exist.
While the specifics of Harrison's contract have been redacted, ESPN reported earlier this month that the deal was worth "at least $1 million" and covered autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel, and other marketing opportunities.
Fanatics alleges that Harrison informed them that a "larger competitor" had made an offer and that other trading card companies had also approached him. The rookie then allegedly demanded that Fanatics match or exceed the purported offers. However, Fanatics claims that Harrison never provided the details of these competing offers.
Fanatics claims that Harrison has "already begun negotiating competing agreements with other collectible or sports trading card companies." The lawsuit outlines that Harrison and Fanatics initially entered into a multiyear agreement when he was at Ohio State. The limited promotion and license agreement that was signed in March 2023 expired in April 2024, shortly before the NFL Draft.
After the expiration of the initial contract, Fanatics claims that it approached Harrison about a "more substantive" long-term deal. Negotiations took place in April 2023, and on May 16, 2023, the two parties agreed to a binding term sheet. The final agreement was finalized two days later.
According to the lawsuit, Fanatics paid Harrison in August and October 2023. However, the company alleges that Harrison "has refused to fulfil his obligations" despite repeated requests. The lawsuit also mentions Harrison's father, Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., who represents his son. Fanatics claims that the elder Harrison requested a copy of the binding term sheet on April 23, 2024, and subsequently denied the existence of any agreement between Harrison and Fanatics.
Fanatics estimates that they have suffered "millions of dollars" in damages due to Harrison's alleged breach of contract. The company is seeking a jury trial and has also named "The Official Harrison Collection LLC" as a defendant in the lawsuit. The website sells signed memorabilia from Harrison, including jerseys, helmets, and photographs.
Harrison has not yet responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The lawsuit also mentions that Harrison has not yet signed a group licensing agreement with the NFL Players Association, which would allow companies to market his name, image, and likeness. As a result, Cardinals fans are unable to purchase official jerseys featuring Harrison's name and number.
Fox News Digital will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
