Monday, June 22, 2026

Nike Evaluating $1B in Media Spending

  • Nike is assessing its media spending in a review expected to run through the spring.
  • Around $1 billion is at stake for ad agencies.
Nike
Nike/Design: Alex Brooks

Nike is reportedly conducting a full review of its media accounts, inviting a host of major ad and media agencies to compete for their portion of around $1 billion.

The process, which Nike hasn’t conducted at this scale in more than 10 years, is only just beginning and is expected to run until spring. 

Nike uses a variety of agencies across different global markets, each of which will have to justify its role as a partner of The Swoosh. Jordan Brand’s media is also up for review, but Converse‘s is not.

  • Nike has requested information from GroupM, Omnicom Media Group, Dentsu Media, Publicis Media, IPG Mediabrands, Stagwell Media, and Havas Media. Requests for proposals are expected to begin next year.
  • Nike’s ad and promotional expenses reached $3.1 billion in fiscal 2021, down 13% year-over-year due to pandemic-related cutbacks.
  • Of that sum, $245 million was spent on media, according to research firm COMvergence, primarily in the Asia Pacific region ($120 million) and North America ($95 million). 

Metaverse Ambitions

Nike is looking more toward digital environments to build its brand: On Monday, it announced the acquisition of NFT fashion and collectibles maker RTFKT

Last month it launched Nikeland, a virtual space within Roblox in which users may play games, check out products, and socialize.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/22/26 – USMNT Wins the Group, Serena Gets Wimbledon Wild Card, UFC White House Ratings, Wyndham Clark Wins US Open

0:00

Featured Today

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field
May 28, 2026

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
May 26, 2026

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
Dec 7, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Alexi Lalas looks on before the 2024 MLS Cup between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Opinion

Have Soccer Fans Had Enough of Fox’s Alexi Lalas?

The former USMNT star has been a polarizing presence for Fox.
June 19, 2026

UFC’s Freedom 250 Draws 17 Million Viewers

The event was available exclusively on Paramount+. 
ESPN host Rece Davis
June 22, 2026

Rece Davis to Host ESPN’s Wimbledon Coverage

Davis replaces former host Chris McKendry, who is moving to play-by-play.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Exclusive
June 17, 2026

Jimmie Johnson Joining TNT as NASCAR Analyst

Johnson will make his TNT debut on June 28.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson holds the Finals MVP trophy during the championship celebration after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
June 16, 2026

Knicks-Spurs Draws Most-Watched NBA Finals Since 1998

The Knicks’ series-clinching Game 5 attracted 24.5 million viewers.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Spain v Cape Verde - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - June 15, 2026 Spain's Pau Cubarsi misses a chance to score REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Exclusive
June 16, 2026

Fox Frustrated by ESPN’s Lack of World Cup Coverage

Fox took over from ESPN as the World Cup rights holder in 2018.
Dec 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports broadcast camera before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
June 15, 2026

With Increased NFL Rights Fees Looming, Fox in Deal to Buy Roku

The significant outlay arrived as a renegotiation approaches for NFL rights.