Only a few days before the Cincinnati Bengals' season opener against the Cleveland Browns, one of their superstars made a major change.
On Thursday, it was announced that receiver Ja'Marr Chase is leaving Nike to sign with Fabletics, an apparel brand that has Kevin Hart as an investor and the face of its menswear line. According to Jordan Schultz, Chase becomes the first NFL star Fabletics has ever signed.
Sources: #Bengals superstar WR Ja'Marr Chase is making a bold move — leaving Nike to sign with Fabletics, the apparel brand Kevin Hart invested in.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 4, 2025
One of the NFL's biggest stars teaming up with one of entertainment's biggest names, Chase will be the first NFL star Fabletics has… pic.twitter.com/FHDuPoRXrc
In 2024, Chase won the NFL receiving "triple crown," leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. The 25-year-old had an incredible season with 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and seven touchdowns. He is only the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to accomplish this feat; Cooper Kupp was the last to do it in 2021, and before that, Steve Smith Sr. in 2005.
Chase is currently the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $40.25 million. The Bengals enter the season with high expectations, especially after giving him, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson new contracts.
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Before he takes the field on Sunday in Cleveland, here's the details about his deal with Fabletics.
What is Fabletics?
Fabletics is a global active lifestyle brand that has changed the activewear market with its unique membership-based business model.
The core of Fabletics' business strategy is its VIP membership program. For a monthly fee, members receive exclusive discounts of up to 50%, a monthly credit for an outfit, and access to personalized product selections based on a lifestyle quiz. While the brand started as a purely e-commerce retailer, it has since expanded to a global scale with over 100 brick-and-mortar stores.
The company expanded to menswear in April 2020, signing Kevin Hart as an investor and face of the new brand. The brand has further expanded its reach through high-profile collaborations with celebrities such as Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Khloe Kardashian and Vanessa Hudgens.
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Why did Ja'Marr Chase leave Nike for Fabletics?
There is no concrete answer as to why Chase left Nike for Fabletics, but he becomes the first major NFL star to sign with the brand, giving him a unique role as the face of the new venture. For Fabletics, it continues the company’s growth through celebrity collaborations, and signing a prominent NFL athlete marks its first major push into professional sports.
Fabletics has been primarily a women’s and loungewear brand, but since signing Hart, it has been making major moves in menswear. Now, with Chase on board, the company is expected to continue expanding.
While financial details have not been disclosed, the contract is likely extremely lucrative, especially to lure Chase away from a global leader like Nike.