• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Phil Knight ‘Doubts’ That Nike Will Resume Its Kyrie Irving Partnership

  • Nike co-founder Phil Knight told CNBC the company probably will not resume its partnership with Irving.
  • Irving has faced several other high-profile consequences for his actions.
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Nike will most likely not resume its partnership with Kyrie Irving, Nike co-founder Phil Knight told CNBC on Wednesday — ending a decade-long relationship.

The first company suspended their relationship last Friday in response to Irving’s peddling of antisemitic conspiracy theories — and his refusal to deny holding antisemitic beliefs. Nike also canceled the release of the Kyrie 8 shoe.

“Kyrie stepped over the line,” Knight said. “It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship.”

Irving has faced several other high-profile consequences for his actions. 

  • The Brooklyn Nets announced they had suspended him indefinitely for at least five games. 
  • The Nets presented him with a list of tasks to complete before he can be reinstated, which included meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Irving did so earlier this week.
  • The Anti-Defamation League issued a statement condemning both the movie he shared in a since-deleted tweet and his subsequent comments.

Irving did issue an apology via Instagram on Thursday night — but only after the Nets suspended him.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Men’s March Madness Sets Opening-Day Viewership Record

CBS Sports and TNT Sports scored big with Arkansas–Kansas.

Nike Struggles Continue, but Signs of Turnaround Appear

The embattled company beats tepid expectations in both revenue and earnings.
Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban looks on during the second quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center.

Mark Cuban: Mavs Should Have Gotten a ‘Better Deal’ on Luka Trade

The former majority owner wishes the team got more picks back for Luka.

Callaway’s LIV Deal Shows How Much Golf Has Shifted

The company has signed a first-of-its-kind club contract.

Featured Today

Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Brehanna Daniels
March 31, 2025

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.
March 30, 2025

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.
Mar 30, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) reacts after a fight against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Target Center. Stewart was later ejected from the game.

NBA Lightly Suspends Five Players for Timberwolves-Pistons Brawl

The brawl came in a game where 12 technical fouls were issued.
Sponsored

Win. Advance. Repeat: The Professional Fighters League’s Rise to Prominence 

As of 2025, PFL has introduced a World Tournament format, where every fighter must battle through a high-stakes bracket to reach a championship.
March 31, 2025

WNBA Draft: Tourney Stars Face Tough Choices Amid CBA Uncertainty

Flau’Jae Johnson is still undecided.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Kendall Coyne Schofield
March 25, 2025

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
March 21, 2025

Tennis Turmoil: Grand Slams Reject Tours’ Proposal Amid Pay Dispute

The Grand Slams wish to create a “premium tour.”
March 21, 2025

Blue Jays CEO Says Guerrero Not Ohtani, but Confident He’ll Sign

Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro is optimistic about keeping the superstar.
March 19, 2025

A March Madness Ratings Resurgence May Depend on Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.