A legal battle has erupted between acclaimed artist Tyrrell Winston and the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team, stemming from accusations of copyright infringement. Winston asserts that the team’s public display of deflated basketball sculptures mirrors his established and registered works, leading to a significant dispute over intellectual property rights. This incident highlights the increasing intersection of sports and contemporary art, where commercial entities must navigate the complexities of artistic ownership and creative originality. The artist's pursuit of a jury trial and financial damages underscores the seriousness of his claims, aiming to protect his unique contributions to the art world and to prevent unauthorized replication of his signature style.
The core of the legal contention revolves around images disseminated by the Pelicans via their Instagram account in the past year. These photographs feature players alongside an installation comprising a 5x5 grid of flattened basketballs affixed to a pristine white wall. Winston contends that this arrangement is a deliberate and precise reproduction of his renowned pieces, \"Manhattanhenge\" and \"R.O.I.,\" both of which are officially documented with the U.S. Copyright Office as of July 18, 2025.
Winston's artistic practice is widely recognized for its distinctive approach, utilizing discarded basketballs collected globally to forge installation art. His works have garnered considerable attention, finding their way into prominent galleries and museums. Furthermore, his unique artistic vision has led to licensing agreements with major sports apparel giants such as Nike and adidas, solidifying his presence within both the art and commercial spheres.
His basketball-centric creations have previously captivated figures within the National Basketball Association, culminating in an invitation to the 2024 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. To reinforce his argument regarding his influence and artistic credibility, the lawsuit references his prior collaboration with the Cleveland Cavaliers and an artwork acquired and showcased by Tom Gores, the owner of the Detroit Pistons. Despite Winston's legal team issuing a cease-and-desist letter last October, it was reportedly disregarded by the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans are anticipated to formally respond to the allegations and seek a dismissal of the complaint in the forthcoming weeks, setting the stage for a potentially landmark legal confrontation concerning artistic integrity in a commercial context. This case could establish significant precedents for how creative works are protected and acknowledged in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment.