Deflated Tyrrell Winston Hits New Orleans Pelicans with Copyright Lawsuit

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Summary

  • American artist Tyrell Winston has filed a lawsuit against the New Orleans Pelicans following a post that depicts team members posed in front an assemblage of deflated basketballs that bear resemblance to Winston’s works.
  • As a result of alleged copyright violation, the artist is seeking a jury trial and monetary compensation for the “damage” done to both his reputation and market for his work.

On July 30, artist Tyrell Winston took legal action against the New Orleans Pelicans, claiming they violated his copyright by using his distinctive deflated basketball wall sculptures without permission.

The ongoing court case revolves around a series of photos uploaded to the team’s Instagram account last year. These images depict several players standing in front of an arrangement of deflated basketballs, reminiscent of a white wall, which Winston claims is a deliberate and identical replica of his artworks “Manhattanhenge” and “R.O.I.” He made this assertion in a complaint submitted to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on July 18, 2025. Both of these works were registered with the U.S. Copyright Office by that date.

Winston is particularly recognized for his art installations crafted using deflated basketballs gathered globally. These creations have graced numerous prominent galleries and museums, while also securing collaborative agreements with well-known brands like Nike and adidas.

In previous years, Winston’s unique basketball-themed artworks garnered interest from various figures within the NBA community, leading to an invitation for him to attend All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis during 2024. To further solidify his status, the argument also references his deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the fact that Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has purchased and displayed some of Winston’s artwork.

At present, he’s aiming for a jury trial and financial restitution, as he believes that the harm inflicted on both his professional standing and the sales of his work requires some form of reparation.

Last October, Winston’s legal advisor delivered a “stop and desist” letter to the team, but it seems that this was not heeded. In the upcoming weeks, the Pelicans will respond to the complaint and seek its dismissal. Keep an eye out for further updates on this matter.

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2025-08-04 21:25