Why are Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes being sued? Know all about the lawsuit

Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes are facing an off-field legal challenge after a sneaker company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit related to their restaurant brand 1587 Prime. The luxury steakhouse, which opened in Kansas City in 2025, is named after the jersey numbers of the two players Mahomes’ No. 15 and Kelce’s No. 87.

The lawsuit was filed by a footwear brand called 1587 Sneakers, which claims the restaurant’s name is too similar to its own and could confuse customers. The case has quickly drawn attention as it involves two of the NFL’s biggest names and a growing business venture outside football.

According to reports, the sneaker company argues that the use of “1587” by the restaurant infringes on its brand identity. The company says it began selling products in 2023 and later applied for a trademark for the name in October 2025. That application is still under review.

Kelce and Mahomes, however, filed their trademark for 1587 Prime earlier, in December 2023, under the bar and restaurant category. This difference in trademark categories has become a key point in the dispute.

The sneaker company claims the issue goes beyond just the name. It says the restaurant also sells merchandise featuring the number combination, which could make consumers believe the two businesses are connected. The company has reportedly received messages from customers who thought there was an affiliation.

Trademark experts have suggested the case may be complicated. In many situations, similar trademarks can coexist if they operate in different industries.

Still, the overlap through merchandise could become a factor as the legal process continues.

The sneaker company is asking the court to stop Kelce and Mahomes from using the “1587” branding and is seeking damages. At the same time, representatives for the sneaker brand have indicated they hope the matter can be resolved without a prolonged legal battle.

For Kelce and Mahomes, the lawsuit arrives during a busy offseason that already includes business expansion, recovery from injuries, and questions about future playing plans.

Their restaurant remains a major project, featuring a large multi-level dining space, private rooms, and one of the biggest wine collections in Missouri.

Legal experts believe the outcome could depend on whether customers are likely to confuse the two brands and how heavily the restaurant’s merchandise overlaps with the sneaker company’s category.

While the dispute is still in its early stages, the case highlights how athletes’ growing business ventures can create new challenges beyond the field. For now, Kelce and Mahomes continue to focus on both football and entrepreneurship as the trademark battle unfolds.