AKRON, Ohio – LeBron James’ powerhouse sports agency just dropped a federal lawsuit on an Ohio cannabis company for ripping off the “Klutch” name, claiming the pot brand is deliberately trading on LeBron’s fame to sell weed in his own hometown.
Klutch Sports Group, co-founded by LeBron and run by his best friend Rich Paul, filed the 47-page complaint Friday in Cleveland federal court. The suit demands Klutch Cannabis immediately stop using the name, destroy all products and marketing materials, and pay unspecified damages for trademark infringement and false endorsement.
The core allegation is simple but explosive: Klutch Cannabis chose the name to make customers think LeBron James himself is behind the weed.
“Defendants are attempting to capitalize on the enormous goodwill and fame associated with Klutch Sports Group and LeBron James,” the lawsuit states. It points out that both Rich Paul and LeBron are from Akron, and the cannabis company opened its flagship adult-use dispensary right in LeBron’s hometown.
What Klutch Sports Says the Cannabis Company Did Wrong
The complaint lays out a long list of grievances.
Klutch Sports has owned federal trademarks on the “Klutch” name since 2019 for entertainment services, clothing, and sports representation. Rich Paul started using the name commercially in 2012 when he broke away from his old agency to represent LeBron full-time.
Klutch Cannabis only started using the identical name in 2023, just as Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana. The suit claims the timing was no coincidence.
Lawyers for LeBron’s agency say the cannabis company’s black-and-gold packaging, stylized “K” logo, and aggressive social media marketing are designed to confuse Ohio customers into believing the four-time NBA champion endorses the products.
The lawsuit includes side-by-side photos showing nearly identical font styles and color schemes between Klutch Sports merchandise and Klutch Cannabis packaging.
One particularly damning example: Klutch Cannabis sells pre-rolls called “King Klutch,” which the lawsuit calls a direct reference to LeBron’s “King James” nickname.
The Akron Connection Hits Different
Rich Paul grew up on the same Akron streets as LeBron. They have been best friends for over 20 years. When LeBron forced the Cleveland Cavaliers to trade for his Akron buddy Donyell Marshall in 2005 just so Rich could travel with the team, that was the beginning of the Klutch empire.
Opening a dispensary called Klutch Cannabis in Akron feels personal.
“Defendants selected Akron for their flagship location precisely because of its association with LeBron James and Rich Paul,” the lawsuit argues. “Consumers in Akron are especially likely to believe there is an affiliation.”
The dispensary on East Market Street held its grand opening for adult-use sales in August 2024, right after Ohio’s recreational market launched.
How Big Is the Klutch Sports Brand Really?
This is not some small agency protecting a random word.
Klutch Sports represents over 200 athletes including Draymond Green, Trae Young, De’Aaron Fox, and OG Anunoby. The agency reportedly negotiated more than $4 billion in contracts during the 2024 NBA free agency period alone.
Adidas released Klutch-branded sneakers. The agency has major partnerships with New Balance and Fanatics. United Talent Agency bought a stake in Klutch in 2021 at a valuation that sources say exceeded $500 million.
In short, “Klutch” is not just a name. It is one of the most valuable brands in sports.
Why This Lawsuit Matters Beyond Ohio
The cannabis industry has a long history of borrowing sports slang and celebrity-adjacent names. You have strains called Kobe, Gary Payton, and Shawn Kemp. Brands use names like Cookies (started by Berner with ties to Wiz Khalifa) and Runtz.
But this is different.
This is a direct, identical trademark held by one of the most famous athletes on earth through his actual business partner.
If Klutch Sports wins, it could make cannabis companies think twice before using any name that even hints at celebrity involvement without permission.
Ohio’s adult-use market did $462 million in sales in its first four months. Companies are fighting tooth and nail for market share. A forced rebrand now would cost Klutch Cannabis millions in new packaging, signage, and lost brand recognition right as the market explodes.
The cannabis company has not yet responded to requests for comment. Their website and social media continue to prominently feature the Klutch name as of Sunday evening.
This David-vs-Goliath fight in LeBron’s backyard just got very real. The King is protecting his name, and he brought the full weight of his empire with him.