Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Spike Lee Returns as Mars Blackmon for Nike’s 50th Anniversary

  • On Sunday, the sportswear giant teased a one-minute commercial on Twitter featuring the legendary director’s famous character.
  • The ad highlights Nike icons like Kobe Bryant and future stars like Naomi Osaka.
Nike

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Nike is honoring its 50th anniversary by bringing back a series of classic ads — and a classic character.

On Sunday, the sportswear giant teased a one-minute commercial on Twitter called “Seen It All” featuring Mars Blackmon — a character played by Spike Lee in his 1986 film “She’s Gotta Have It” and in several Nike ads beginning in the late ‘80s, most famously starring opposite Michael Jordan.

The one-minute commercial emphasizes the brand’s history while also promoting its future stars. 

Lee plays outdoor chess with a young woman, recounting famous sports moments over the years featuring Nike icons Kobe Bryant, USWNT legends Mia Hamm, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe, and runner Steve Prefontaine.

The young woman counters Blackmon with tales of current athletes such as Naomi Osaka, Chloe Kim, and Ja Morant. 

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” she says to Lee’s character, before beating him in chess.

This appears to be the first of many nostalgic ads that will commemorate Nike’s half-century. Invoking one of its most successful campaigns looks like the perfect way to kick off the celebration.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A shopper walks past a Nike store, as global markets brace for a hit to trade and growth caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose import tariffs on dozens of countries, in the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 3, 2025.

Nike Revamps Strategy Again Amid Neverending Turnaround

Analysts say it could take years for Nike to regain its footing.

Nike Revenue Down As Company Signals Workforce Reduction

The company expressed confidence in its continued turnaround.
Kylian Mbappe On

Mbappé Leaves Nike for On As Brand Launches Soccer Division

Thierry Henry joins as the company’s new director of football.
Shoppers walk past a Nike store in the King of Prussia Mall, as global markets brace for a hit to trade and growth caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose import tariffs on dozens of countries, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 3, 2025.

What Nike’s ‘Embarrassing’ S&P 100 Exit Really Means

Nike’s turnaround is going slower than expected.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/21/26 – T-Mac Backs Clippers Penalty, 80-to-1 Rays Haunt Sportsbooks, Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
September 2, 2026

Good Good CEO Steps Down Amid Callaway Driver Ad Fallout

Matt Kendrick says he didn’t see the ad before it was published.
September 6, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Gets His Own Line of Merchandise

Peter Fan Club says it has notched thousands of orders.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
August 28, 2026

Why Is Nike Suddenly Part of Sorority Rush Season?

They’re “campus athletes.”
August 27, 2026

Good Good Golf Founder Apologizes, Says He Hopes People ‘Move On’ 

Clark was shown shoving fellow Good Good creator Alexis Miestowski.
August 23, 2026

US Open ‘Almost Doubling’ Credentials for Content Creators

Nearly 100 creators will be credentialed at this year’s US Open.
August 23, 2026

Good Good Golf Pulls Ad, Apologizes Following Backlash

Callaway, Good Good’s equipment partner, said it was “disappointed by the content.”