Memphis Restaurant to Pay Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Over $360K for Unauthorized Use of His Likeness

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is in for a six-figure payday, thanks to a soured deal with a restaurant.

The Wing Guru, a staple in Memphis’ chicken wing scene, owes Morant more than $365,000 after an arbitrator ruled in his favor, prohibiting the restaurant from using his name, image, or likeness in advertisements.

The fallout began when The Wing Guru stopped making payments to Morant four months after their January 2022 contract. Despite this, the restaurant continued to use Morant’s likeness in promotions. According to the arbitration petition, Morant’s attorneys sent a letter in November 2022 requesting over $43,000 in unpaid dues. The restaurant responded, promising the full $75,000 by January 1st, 2023, but no payments were made.

Though the deal was relatively modest, Morant’s attorneys argue that the unauthorized use of his name and image caused substantial financial losses, especially with Morant’s growing brand, including a signature shoe deal with Nike. The Wing Guru also advertised in cities like Nashville, Houston, and Dallas, where it had recently expanded.

On July 23rd, 2024, arbitrator Bernice Donald ruled that The Wing Guru must pay Morant $365,525.30, including damages for unauthorized use of his likeness. The Wing Guru did not contest the ruling within the required timeframe, leaving Morant’s victory intact.

In 2022, Morant signed a five-year, $197.2 million extension with the Grizzlies. While the payment from The Wing Guru is a drop in the bucket for this star player, it’s still money owed, which Morant is determined to collect.

As of now, it does not appear that the balance has been paid.