PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper has spent years building one of baseball’s strongest endorsement portfolios while remaining among the sport’s most recognizable faces. Like many elite athletes, that visibility has also made him a frequent participant in promotional campaigns for major corporate partners.
But, at least in retrospect, one of his latest endorsement efforts might have helped encourage a gambling addict to continue incurring losses on one of the most popular sports betting platforms in the world.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper Featured In Thank You Video Sent To FanDuel VIP
According to a recent report, local Philadelphia sports fan Terry Thompson — who is suing FanDuel Sportsbook for allegedly encouraging a gambling addiction — received a personalized video thank you from Harper shortly after making significant wagers on the platform.
“In it, Harper addresses Thompson by name and acknowledges Thompson’s young son,” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s David Gambacorta reported after obtaining a copy of the video message. “Harper ends by thanking Thompson for his support. Harper is not wearing any FanDuel merchandise, but the video is marked with the company’s logo, and Harper mentions that he was reaching out at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager, ‘your host Bryttanni at FanDuel,’ who wanted to ensure that Thompson had an ‘extra special Thanksgiving.'”
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Ultimately, the video appeared to be one of several perks that FanDuel sent Thompson to encourage his continued use of the platform, which totaled a significant sum before he filed his lawsuit.
“He grew addicted to the effortless, rapid-fire action,” Gambacorta added. “Every game, every quarter, every play — click, click, click. Thompson would ultimately wager $18.5 million with FanDuel, earning him VIP status with the company.”
Gambacorta noted that Harper was unaware of Thompson’s gambling addiction or betting history when the message was recorded.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper Has Long Been One Of Baseball’s Biggest Endorsement Stars
While Harper’s appearance in the promotional video might have encouraged Thompson to keep wagering on the platform, it also reflects the long-standing value to major brands that has involved the slugger in countless promotions over his career.
For instance, in 2016, Harper became one of the most highly paid baseball stars in history for an endorsement deal with Under Armour.
“The exact amount of Harper’s deal wasn’t immediately known, but a source said it surpasses the largest overall endorsement deal in the sport when Nike agreed, in 2005, to pay Alex Rodriguez a little more than $1 million a year for 10 years,” ESPN’s Darren Rovel reported at the time.
That reputation has made Harper a natural choice for promotional campaigns throughout his career. But it seems like one of his latest promotional efforts unintentionally fueled an addiction that has now taken center stage in a high-profile lawsuit.