NIKE ALMOST DIDN'T SEE IT COMING | MICHAEL JORDAN | AIR JORDAN 1

 

Michael Jordan signed with Nike in October 1984 for $500,000 a year, about five times what any other player was earning on a shoe deal.

The Air Jordan 1 launched in April 1985. Nike's internal sales goal was $3 million. Per CBS News, the line did $126 million in its first year alone.

When the Air Jordan 1 launched in April 1985, Nike's plan was to move 100,000 pairs in the first year.

They sold roughly 450,000 pairs in the first month, and about 1.5 million units by the end of year one.

The shoe outran the forecast so badly that Nike had to rebuild the whole business around one rookie.

What sneaker release do you remember lining up for?

#8AtTheTable #Sports #MJ #MichaelJordan #AirJordan1 #AirJirdan #

Forty years later, Jordan Brand is still the standard.

What is the best endorsement deal in sports history?

- 8atthetable

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH NIKE

Victor Wembanyama has officially signed a long-term extension with Nike that includes his own signature shoe line. ✔️ (Via Shams)

FIFA WORLD CUP SPONSORS OUTPERFORM FTSE 100 AND S&P 500

Major Fifa World Cup sponsors outperform FTSE 100 returns by a factor of five and the S&P 500 by three as brands look to dominate the conversation during the tournament.

IG research looking at the performance of major World Cup sponsors saw an average return of 7.1 per cent during tournament cycles – from 30 days before the first match to three months after the tournament across the last four editions – versus a 1.9 per cent increase on return for the US stock market.

Across the same period the London-based FTSE 100 had an average decline of 1.1 per cent.

Apparel brands appear to be the most lucrative markets. Nike saw a surge to the tune of 17.7 per cent, while rival Adidas averaged a 1.6 per cent increase.

Kia (12 per cent), Coca Cola (8.6 per cent), and AB InBev (7.9 per cent) all outperformed the World Cup average of 7.1 per cent.

World Cup a growth market?

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: “The World Cup creates a unique environment where a small group of globally recognised brands capture a disproportionate share of attention – and that visibility can feed through into stronger stock performance over a relatively short period.”

The negative FTSE 100 performance stems from the 2014 and 2018 windows, while this year’s World Cup, coming amid a conflict in Iran that is damaging global oil supply chains, could also see figures impacted.

Added Beauchamp: “It’s particularly interesting when you set that against the traditional ‘Sell in May’ narrative, where markets are often expected to drift or soften over the summer months. What we’ve seen is that World Cup sponsors can cut against that trend, with tournament-driven demand, marketing spend and consumer engagement helping to support share prices at a time when the wider market can lack direction.

“What stands out is the gap between these companies and the broader indices. Even in years where markets have struggled, sponsor-linked stocks have often been able to outperform – although not without volatility, and with outcomes still heavily influenced by timing and wider market conditions.”

- Matt Hardy

LEADING BRANDS ASSOCIATED WITH TEAMS AT UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

DUNK-AYRTON SENNA F1 | NIKE

 

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS | US FOUNDED MONOBRANDS, REVENUE RANKED (COMPANY REPORTS, FISCAL 2024)

CADE CUNNINGHAM BECOMES SIXTH ACTIVE NBA PLAYER TO GET A NIKE SIGNATURE SHOE

Only five other active NBA players have a signature Nike sneaker line. Michael Reaves / Getty Images

As Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham sat across from Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant, someone he grew up watching in Arlington, Texas, a firm dap between the two Nike athletes solidified what seemed to be brewing since last season.

Cunningham confirmed to Durant that Nike is lining up a signature shoe for him that is set to debut in the spring of 2027. The 24-year-old joins Durant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Devin Booker as the only active NBA players with Nike signature shoes. (Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike, has signature shoes for Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson.)

“I don’t got no words about it, bro,” Cunningham said to Durant in a video released by Boardroom, the sports, business and entertainment media brand founded by Durant and agent Rich Kleiman. “It’s a dream come true, bro.”

Nike has been making Cunningham player edition G.T. Cut shoes with his logo on the heel since last season. Cunningham debuted various colorways throughout the calendar year and had a new colorway as recently as Nov. 10, when he scored a career-high 46 points against the Washington Wizards.

While Cunningham has missed the Pistons’ last two games with a hip contusion, he is on pace for another career season, averaging 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He has spearheaded Detroit’s 11-2 start and revitalized the Pistons’ franchise in the process.

Durant and Cunningham reflected on a conversation they had over the summer about the gravity of the situation. As Cunningham thought back on the conversation, Durant beamed with excitement.

“We were just talking about the Nike game and what it means,” Durant said. “How important that is to us. For you to get your own shoe, and for you to have a legacy. Do you know how big that is, bruh?”

Durant went on to give Cunningham props for having “one of the coldest logos” he’s ever seen, and encouraged Cunningham to be as hands-on during the design process as possible.

After the Pistons’ 28-game losing streak during the 2023-24 season, Monday’s Nike announcement felt like the culmination of the turbulent beginning to his NBA career. Cunningham is now officially slated to become one of the faces of Nike Basketball.

- Hunter Patterson

GENERATION Z (GEN Z) ON NIKE AIR FORCE 1 SHOES | DAD SHOES 😂 | SNEAKERS MEME

 

DOECHII AND NIKE TEAM UP TO SILENCE CRITICS WITH BOLD NEW AD

 In a powerful new Nike ad, Doechii confronts 'industry plant' accusations by showcasing her impressive achievements.

Doechii, a rising star in hip-hop, continues to break barriers and cement her place in the industry. Recently, she earned a co-sign from Lauryn Hill, reinforcing her influence and artistry. After turning heads at Paris Fashion Week 2025, she returned to the U.S. to front a major Nike campaign. The ad directly addresses the “industry plant” rumors that have followed her rise, using an extensive receipt to list her accomplishments. Nike backed her message with the caption, “Too official to ever need validating, but we printed Doechii’s receipt to remind you anyway.”

The campaign positions her as a self-made artist while highlighting her success in music, fashion, and culture. As Nike has done with past collaborators, this partnership could be just the beginning. Given Doechii’s growing fashion presence, it is possible that a sneaker or apparel collaboration could be in the works. Whether it is a signature sneaker, a special-edition colorway, or a curated clothing line, Doechii’s unique aesthetic would make for an exciting addition to Nike’s roster.

Beyond the campaign, Doechii’s success speaks for itself. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she became only the third woman in history to win Best Rap Album. This milestone underscores her impact and the recognition she has earned. Despite the skepticism from some critics, Doechii embraces the narratives surrounding her rise, taking them as further proof of her influence. She has shown no hesitation in using her platform to push back against doubters while continuing to deliver chart-topping music. Now, her partnership with Nike adds another layer to her brand, aligning her with a company known for celebrating resilience and authenticity.

If her collaboration with Nike expands, it would be no surprise to see Doechii’s influence extend beyond music and into sneaker and streetwear culture. Whether she debuts a new shoe, an exclusive collection, or even a full campaign highlighting women in hip-hop, this is a partnership with plenty of potential. Nike has a history of elevating cultural icons, and Doechii’s rise fits perfectly into that narrative. Whatever comes next, it is clear that she is more than just an artist.

- BEN ATKINSON

LIVERPOOL REVIVE ALLIANCE WITH ADIDAS IN £60M-A-YEAR KIT DEAL AS £200M WINDFALL CLAIM IS MADE

Arne Slot could be boosted by the money on offer from Adidas.

Liverpool have announced that they have signed a deal to reunite with Adidas in an agreement worth £60m per year to the Premier League club.

Following a spell with Nike, the Reds have returned to the German kit manufacturer after last using Adidas in 2012.

Some of most iconic shirts in Liverpool history have been made by Adidas and fans will be pleased with the news that the Reds have revived their alliance.

It’s understood that Liverpool could earn even more money if they perform well on the pitch as the deal with Adidas is incentivised.

Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan said: “Everyone at the club is incredibly excited to welcome adidas back into the LFC family.

“We have enjoyed fantastic success together in the past and created some of the most iconic Liverpool kits of all time.

“Adidas and Liverpool share an ambition of success and we couldn’t be more excited to partner together again as we look forward to creating more incredible kits to help drive on pitch performance.

“We’d like to thank Nike for their support over the last five years and wish them well for the future.”

On top of extra funds from their new deal with Adidas, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson insists Liverpool could get a £200m Premier League prize money windfall this season.

“It’s a non-Champions League season, so you have to look at it in that context. That means that the bottom line is not amazing. But actually, the way to look at Liverpool is to think about this season in some ways.

“If you can take that base level that they’ve got from last season and then add on top of it what they’re going to get this season, they’re going to win the Premier League, so they’re going to be number one there.

“They are going to have the best part of £200million in Premier League money. That’s going to be maybe £15-20million more than last season.

“They are going to get close to the maximum amount from the Champions League because they’re likely going to be really close this season. They could be maybe semi-finalists or finalists.

“They are going to have the best part of £100million extra in Uefa revenue this season, so you can imagine what that’s going to do. The cost base will be broadly the same.

“There will be a little bit extra on operating costs and wages probably, but they haven’t spent very much. There isn’t going to be a huge spike in player amortisation.

“There isn’t going to be a huge spike in the wage bill except for the bonuses, so it’s going to be a super profitable year this season.

“You will see the quality of the 2023-24 accounts in 2024-25 because that is the base on which everything is built for this season.

“You are going to see some pretty spectacular numbers for 2024-25 profitability wise for Liverpool, assuming it all goes to plan from here.”

- Joe Williams

JORDAN BRAND PAYS TRIBUTE TO JALEN HURTS AFTER SUPER BOWL WIN WITH ROUSING COMMERCIAL

 

Jalen Hurts rocked a pair of Air Jordan 1 “Unbannable” cleats on Sunday during pregame warmups.

After Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in New Orleans, the Jordan brand returned the favor with a commercial which will leave everyone on their feet and applauding.

Entitled “Love, Hurts,” the 30-second spot pays homage to the former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback.

“Some people want to hate everything about Jalen Hurts.

“Hate that he’s a winning quarterback. Hate that he’s taken the Eagles to the championship game twice in three years. Hate that he’s a complete athlete.

“And now, they can hate that he’s a champion.”

On Sunday, Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push to earn Super Bowl MVP honors, and Vic Fangio’s defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn’t need much from Saquon Barkley.

He went 17 for 22 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 72 yards and a touchdown that avenged a Super Bowl loss two years ago against Kansas City.

Hurts was outstanding in that game, throwing for 304 yards and a TD and rushing for 70 yards and three more scores but could only watch as Harrison Butker kicked a go-ahead field goal with 8 seconds left for a 38-35 win.

Hurts turned that year into a $255 million, five-year contract the following offseason.

According to The Associated Press, Hurts is now just the fourth quarterback ever to lose his first Super Bowl start and go on to win one as a starter later in his career, joining Hall of Famers John Elway, Bob Griese and Len Dawson.

- Mark Heim | mheim@al.com

ARYNA SABALENKA ROCKS STYLISH BLACK & BLUE FIT FROM NIKE 24.7 COLLECTION DAYS AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN HEARTBREAK

Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, is sponsored by Nike for her sportswear requirements. Sabalenka has been wearing Nike for a very long time and has been promoting the brand across several social media platforms. Sabalenka has also been featured in several ads for Nike, with the most recent advertisement surfacing on January 12, just before the start of the 2025 Australian Open.

Nike dropped its latest apparel collection, ‘24.7’, on January 25. The athletic wear is designed to meet the daily requirements of an athlete’s life.

Evolve/Instagram 

The collection unveiled two innovative materials used in the apparel — ImpossiblySoft, a Spacer-Knit fabric — that enables four-way stretch and gives a luxurious feel at the same time, and PerfectStretch which gives a polished feel. The collection consists of various clothing pieces, like half zips, crew necks, joggers, pleated skirts, and woven shirts.

The three-time Grand Slam champion donned the new collection and rocked the blue and black fit. Sabalenka sported white shade sunglasses and a classic black fanny pack which complimented her attire. Sabalenka earned praise for her look on the internet.

Evolve/Instagram 

Notably, Naomi Osaka-owned talent agency company, ‘Evolve,’ manages Sabalenka. They posted Sabalenka’s stunning pictures in the new outfit which gained a lot of traction.

The Nike 24.7 apparel collection will be available globally at retail locations from January 30 onwards.

Evolve/Instagram 

After missing out on a 'three-peat' at the 2025 Australian Open, Sabalenka is most likely to play the Middle Eastern swing in Qatar before Indian Wells and Miami Open in March. Sabalenka has been playing the Dubai duty-free tennis championships since 2017 and has not missed a single season. But she is yet to win the tournament in her eight attempts. Her best outing at the event remains three quarterfinal finishes. The World No.1 will aim to change that this time around.

The last time Sabalenka played at Doha was in 2022, till then she had played it three times in a row and even won the title in her debut season at the tournament in 2020. She had defeated Petra Kvitova in the final in straight sets. The 2025 Australian Open runner-up is expected to participate in the tournament and come back after three years.

Evolve/Instagram 

The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 begins on February 9 and Dubai championship begins on February 16. The Polish superstar, Iga Swiatek will look to defend her title in Doha, as her race to regain the World No.1 position will continue.

- Prem Mehta

AIR JORDAN 5 "BLACK METALLIC REIMAGINED" OFFICIALLY UNVEILED

Nike

A clean look for the Jordan 5.

The Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic Reimagined” has officially been revealed with stunning new photos. This release brings a fresh twist to a timeless classic, blending nostalgia with updated details. The sneaker retains its sleek black nubuck upper, delivering a clean and iconic look. Metallic silver accents on the midsole, paired with the signature shark-tooth design, provide the bold contrast that fans have come to love. An icy blue outsole enhances the modern appeal while maintaining ties to the original aesthetic. The reflective tongue shines bright, featuring a red Jumpman logo that pops against the black and silver tones.

Classic “Nike Air” branding appears on the heels, adding a touch of heritage to the design. White laces further emphasize the crisp, balanced palette of this reimagined iteration. With a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship, this version honors the legacy of the Air Jordan 5 while appealing to a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts. Perfect for both collectors and casual wearers, the “Black Metallic Reimagined” blends timeless style with updated elements for a fresh take on a fan favorite. As excitement builds, these official photos offer a detailed glimpse into what’s sure to be one of the most sought-after drops of 2025.

"Black Metallic Reimagined" Air Jordan 5

Nike

The sneakers boast a frosty blue rubber outsole paired with a black midsole featuring metallic silver, fighter jet-inspired details. The uppers are crafted from black nubuck, complemented by matching overlays for a cohesive look. Transparent netting adds texture to the sides, while crisp white laces provide a clean contrast. Vibrant red Jordan logos on the tongues and white branding on the heels complete the design with bold highlights.

More Photos

Hypebeast reports that the Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic Reimagined” is releasing on February 8th. Official photos reveal a stunning design. Additionally, the retail price of the sneakers will be $210 when they drop, making this highly anticipated release a must-have for collectors.

Nike

Nike

AMERICANS FAVOURITE SNEAKER BRANDS

 

MOST LUCRATIVE KIT DEALS IN FOOTBALL ⚽ | BARCELONA ARE SET TO SIGH A 14 YEAR DEAL WITH NIKE WORTH £106M A SEASON

NIKE DUNK HIGH 'WU-TANG RELEASING AR RETAIL AFTER 25-YEAR WAIT

 

BROOKLYN'S FINEST AND SNEAKER DESIGNER FOR LEBRON JAMES LEGENDARY DJ CLARK KENT HAS PASSED AWAY

 

THE BIRTH OF AIR JORDAN | ON THIS DAY

 

JUJU WATKINS MAKES HISTORY 🔥

 

ALLYSON FELIX PROVED NIKE WRONG | 'HEART OF A CHAMPION'

When Allyson Felix became pregnant, Nike was prepared to cut the terms of Felix's endorsement by as much as 70% due to the pregnancy, and told her to “know your place and just run.” 🤯

Amid all of this, she was forced to have an emergency c-section seven months into her pregnancy because of a potentially life-threatening condition and her baby had to live for more than a month in the NICU. But two years later she’s qualified for her fifth Olympics with her daughter watching.

Felix dropped Nike and created her own brand of running shoes, the Saysh One. She is currently running in the Olympics in Japan wearing them under the banner “I Know My Place”. 😏

With 11 medals now, she passed Carl Lewis this summer for the most track and field medals by an American in history!

"I used my voice and built this company for you. So that you never have to train at 4:30am while you're 5 months pregnant to hide your pregnancy from your sponsor.”💯

- Lamar