Fanatics Is Suing Marvin Harrison Jr. For Alleged Breach Of Contract

Fanatics has filed a lawsuit against Arizona Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. for an alleged breach of contract. 

While the filing has been heavily redacted, the sports apparel and memorabilia brand claims it has an agreement worth more than $1 million with the star wideout dating back to May 2023, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Harrison's team denies the existence of said agreement.

Marvin Harrison is doing things his own way.

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Throughout the pre-draft process, Harrison marched to the beat of his own drum. He skipped workouts at both the NFL Scouting Combine and Ohio State Pro Day to "prepare for the NFL season" instead. Harrison also has yet to sign a preliminary licensing agreement with the NFL Players Association — which is standard practice for anticipated draftees. The licensing agreement would allow Harrison's name and likeness to be monetized.

So if you're wondering why you can't purchase a MHJ Cardinals jersey, that's why. The two-time unanimous All-American also cannot be featured in any NFL-licensed video games, including the upcoming "Madden NFL 25."

Fanatics Claims Marvin Harrison Jr. Not Fulfilling His Obligations

But while he hasn't signed the NFLPA agreement, Fanatics claims Harrison has an existing deal with the company. That arrangement, which Harrison signed before his last season at Ohio State, is worth more than $1 million and is for autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel and other marketing opportunities, sources told ESPN.

Fanatics said in the suit that it paid Harrison in August and October 2023, but the brand claims Harrison "has refused to fulfill his obligations" despite "several requests" from Fanatics over the past few months. The suit claims that Harrison has "rejected or ignored every request."

Meanwhile, Harrison is selling signed memorabilia through The Official Harrison Collection's website. Items include photos ranging from $99.99 to $149, a jersey at $299.99 and a helmet for as much as $549.99. The site, which says, "Cardinals memorabilia coming soon," states that it is "the ONLY website to purchase signed Harrison memorabilia."

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. poses for portraits after being selected fourth overall in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals.

(Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Of course, if Harrison did indeed sign a binding multi-year contract with Fanatics, this dispute should be settled pretty quickly. But Harrison's non-conventional methods could lead to much bigger implications for players entering the NFL Draft down the road.

In this new NIL era of college sports, these players hold more leverage than they've ever had before. Star athletes are used to profiting handsomely off their own name, image and likeness, so why sign it over when they go pro?

And if everything works out for Harrison, we may see more athletes in the future who forego the NFLPA licensing agreement in favor of their own entrepreneurial endeavors.

In other words, it's going to be a mess out there.