Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Nike, Adidas Make Top 10 Valuable Brands List

Nike
Nike

Nike and Adidas ranked among the top 10 most valuable apparel brands, with the former taking the top spot — again. 

Brand Finance’s annual review revealed that the Swoosh’s brand value jumped 9% to $33.2 billion but still isn’t at the level it was two years ago. Last year, Nike’s brand value dropped 13% from 2020 to $30.4 billion but still managed to hold the top spot.

The majority of the other eight brands were made up of mostly designer names, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Hermès. Aggregate brand value for sportswear brands in the top 50 grew 10% to $74 billion, while luxury brands grew 21% to $125 billion.

  • Adidas’ brand value grew 2% to $14.6 billion.
  • Puma’s brand value jumped 13% to $4.5 billion.
  • Lululemon’s brand value increased 28% to $4.2 billion.

“With convenience at the center of marketing strategy, luxury and sports brands have mastered online delivery fulfillment,” Brand Finance managing director Richard Haigh said.

Smaller, But Still Mighty

While more well-known sportswear brands increased, smaller sportswear brands were among the fastest-growing brands on the list. Skechers’ brand value skyrocketed 68% to $3.2 billion, and Li-Ning’s brand value increased by the same amount to $2 billion.

Five sportswear brands — Nike, Skechers, Moncler, Li-Ning, and Adidas — were among the top 10 “Strongest Brands,” ranked 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10, respectively.

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

Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.

Nike Competitors Pounce On Boston Marathon Ad Stumble

The company took down a display that read “Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated.”

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jason Day plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament
April 3, 2026

How Golf Apparel Companies Pull Off Unauthorized Masters Merch

The Masters doesn’t officially partner with most apparel companies.
Masters Gnome
April 13, 2026

Masters Gnome Sells for Record $28K As Collectible’s Future in Doubt

An original 2016 edition of the Masters gnome was just auctioned off.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 1, 2026

Nike Down On Earnings Amid Longer-Than-Expected Turnaround

Analysts see signs of progress but warn the recovery is going slowly.
March 26, 2026

Masters Gnome Craze Reaches New Level As Presales Hit $1,500

The frenzy around the popular souvenir item continues to grow.
Jun 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Fanatics chief executive officer Michael Rubin attends game three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
February 20, 2026

Can One Patriots Fan Spur Fanatics to Change?

“I’m hoping that one meeting can lead to another meeting and another meeting.”
February 19, 2026

Nike Relaunch of ACG Is Bid to Catch Up in Outdoor Boom

Nike’s sub-brand, which stands for All Conditions Gear, originally debuted in 1989.