Wednesday, August 5, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action

India Is Usurping Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/5/26 – UFC Freedom 250’s $30M Loss, Bijan’s Record Deal, Infantino Losing Support

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
May 16, 2026; Laurel, MD, USA; Napoleon Solo (10) ridden by Paco Lopez leads Iron Honor (9) ridden by Flavien Prat, Chip Honcho (6) ridden by Jose Ortiz Jr., and Taj Mahal (1) ridden by Sheldon Russell down the stretch during the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Exclusive

NBC to Retain Media Rights to Preakness Stakes

NBC has held the race’s rights since 2001.
Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald speaks live as a special guest during the ESPN GameDay broadcast on the sidelines at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA prior to the start of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game on November 15, 2025.
Exclusive
August 4, 2026

Aaron Donald Exploring Media Future Amid Potential Rams Return

Donald retired following the 2023 season.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, speaks during the Paramount Pictures presentation at CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., April 16, 2026.
August 4, 2026

Paramount Antitrust Trial Delayed As Ellison Makes Case for Merger

Company CEO David Ellison is much more outspoken about the transaction.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
August 4, 2026

Aaron Rodgers Torches ESPN, Fauci, Others on ‘McAfee’

Rodgers didn’t hold back during his half-hour interview.
Jan 21, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; CBS Sports sideline announcer Mike Florio on field prior to an AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
August 4, 2026

Mike Florio Talks NBC, ‘PFT Live’ Shifts, 49ers Criticism

The “ProFootballTalk” founder returns as a “Football Night in America” analyst.
CBS sportscaster and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo chats with the media Tuesday, June 27, 2023 during the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship & Pro-Am at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
August 3, 2026

Is This the Beginning of the End for Tony Romo at CBS?

Romo’s leave has elevated J.J. Watt to CBS’s No. 1 team.
Oct 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) with owner Jerry Jones prior to the game against the St Louis Rams at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
August 3, 2026

Tony Romo’s CBS Future a ‘Litmus Test’ for Jerry Jones’s Power

Jones has a history of using his influence with the league’s partners.