Fanatics lawsuit against Marvin Harrison Jr. reveals contract details

As Fanatics moves ahead with its lawsuit against Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr., the original terms of their agreement have now become public. Josh Weinfuss of ESPN revealed this week that Fanatics was agreeing to pay the former Ohio State star $1.05 million between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026 in exchange for game jerseys and more than 35,000 autographs.

The $1.05 million sum is roughly 3% of what Harrison is set to earn on his rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals after they selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The wide receiver agreed to the terms listed in the binding sheet, however, the two parties never finalized a full-blown contract. That fact is Harrison’s defense as his representation prepares to dispute the claim of breach of contract.

Harrison was arguably the best wide receiver in the country last season, making his name extremely valuable. He won the Biletnikoff Award in 2023 after catching 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is also a two-time All-American and was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year.

Fanatics suing Harrison for failing to uphold terms

According to the term sheet, the two sides were to “work together in good faith to negotiate an agreement to combine, amend and restate” the deal “promptly” after signing. Harrison signed the binding sheet on May 16, 2023, while he was still in college at Ohio State. It had two phases — one from signing until March 31, 2024, which led up to the draft, and one from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2026.

Harrison has yet to sign the NFLPA’s group licensing agreement, which would allow the union to market his name, image and likeness to 85 companies. Instead, “The Official Harrison Collection LLC” is selling Harrison memorabilia on its website.

Fanatics alleges that the receiver told the retailer that he’s received a larger offer from a competitor, with other trading card companies making multiple “competing” offers as well. In its lawsuit, Fanatics notes that Harrison “demanded” the retailer match or exceed the additional alleged offers.

Harrison, according to Fanatics, refused to provide the retailer with the competing offers. Fanatics said that he has “already begun negotiating competing agreements with other collectible or sports trading card companies.”

After coming to terms on the initial licensing agreement, Fanatics allegedly approached Harrison about a long-term “more substantive” deal. The new Cardinals receiver, who does not have an agent, was represented by his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide wideout Marvin Harrison Sr.