Memphis, TN, August 17, 2025
News Summary
The Shelby County Chancery Court has ruled that The Wing Guru restaurant must pay NBA star Ja Morant $365,525 for breach of contract. Morant sued after the restaurant used his name and image for promotion without making the agreed payments. The judge awarded him $300,000 in damages along with interest and legal fees of $65,525.50. This ruling underscores the legal importance of adhering to endorsement contracts in the sports industry.
Memphis Orders The Wing Guru to Compensate Ja Morant $365,525 for Breach of Contract
A Shelby County Chancery Court has ruled that The Wing Guru restaurant must pay NBA player Ja Morant a total of $365,525.50, following a breach of contract case. Morant, the guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, initiated a lawsuit against the restaurant after they stopped paying him despite continuing to use his name, image, and likeness to promote their brand.
The dispute began when The Wing Guru announced on Instagram that they would pay Morant $75,000 for their agreement. Morant alleges that he never received this payment, leading him to seek legal action. The case was escalated to an arbitrator, who ultimately sided with Morant, ordering The Wing Guru to provide $300,000 in compensation and damages. Additionally, the court ordered the payment of $65,525.50 in interest and legal costs.
The Wing Guru had been given until late November 2024 to respond to the case but failed to do so. Morant’s legal team, along with law enforcement and state officials, made multiple unsuccessful attempts to serve The Wing Guru with a summons over the course of several months. The court subsequently entered a default judgment in favor of Morant due to the restaurant’s lack of response.
Case Proceedings and Rulings
The court proceedings concluded when a judge granted a request from Morant’s attorneys for an automatic ruling in their favor, as no representatives from The Wing Guru appeared at the hearing. The case was presided over by Shelby County Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson.
Details of the Judgment
In total, The Wing Guru has been ordered to pay $365,525.50 to Morant, which includes the specified legal fees and associated costs following the breach of contract. The outcome emphasizes the legal weight behind endorsements and contract agreements in the sports industry.
Background Context
The Wing Guru, a restaurant brand known for its chicken wings, had previously invoked Morant’s name and likeness in promotions, a move that initially appeared to be a mutually beneficial agreement. However, the breakdown of payments has raised questions about contract compliance within the business dealings of sports endorsements. Morant’s case highlights the importance of adhering to contractual obligations, particularly in partnerships between athletes and businesses seeking to leverage athletes for brand promotions.
Conclusion
This ruling serves as a potent reminder of the legal expectations surrounding endorsement deals, and the consequences that can arise from failing to fulfill agreed-upon terms. Morantโs decisive victory in this case sets a precedent for athletes facing similar contractual disputes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for the lawsuit filed by Ja Morant against The Wing Guru?
Ja Morant sued The Wing Guru for breach of contract after they stopped making payments while still using his name, image, and likeness for promotion.
How much has The Wing Guru been ordered to pay Morant?
The Wing Guru is ordered to pay a total of $365,525.50, which includes $300,000 in damages plus interest and legal fees.
What actions did Morant’s legal team take before the court ruling?
Morant’s legal team made multiple unsuccessful attempts to serve The Wing Guru with a summons over a period of several months.
Who presided over the case?
The case was presided over by Shelby County Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson.
What does this case signify for sports endorsements?
This case highlights the importance of adhering to contractual agreements in sports endorsements and the potential legal repercussions of failing to do so.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Community Unites Against Controversial Bail Law Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Ja Morant Awarded Over $300K
- Daily Memphian: Wing Guru Lawsuit
- Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies Schedule
- Sports Illustrated: Ja Morant Matchups
- Wikipedia
- Google Search: Ja Morant Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
