Tag: Nike

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Nike Signature Athlete Sabrina Ionescu to Inspire the Next Generation of Hoopers in First Asia Tour

WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, an Olympic gold medalist who still holds the record for most career triple doubles across the US NCAA, is coming to Manila.

She is a gamechanger, reinventing what’s possible for female athletes in life and sport. She’s a pioneer, creating space for girls to follow in her footsteps. And she’s a role model, inspiring the next generation to dream big, then do everything it takes to turn those dreams into reality.

Ahead of Sabrina’s campaign to defend her first WNBA title, she’s embarking on her first Asia tour, visiting China and the Philippines to share this message of empowerment with young hoopers and further introduce herself to the global basketball community.

“I’m excited to connect with basketball fans across Manila, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, especially young hoopers. You can feel their passion for the game, even from New York,” says Sabrina. “Together we will celebrate the game, and I hope we inspire each other to achieve our dreams with dedication, commitment, and hard work.”

Sabrina will spend the first part of her tour in Manila, an international hoops hub with a longstanding connection to Nike Basketball. She starts off with a visit to Nike Fort in Bonifacio Global City on March 10 for a panel talk with fellow Nike athletes and coaches at 3 pm. The panel will talk about breaking barriers and defying stereotypes so hoopers can realize their dreams and inspire the next generation. During her stay, Sabrina will also lead a basketball clinic at The Courtyard, launch a Nike Sabrina 2 collaboration, and participate in an electrifying showcase with some of the Philippines’ best professional and collegiate players at the famed Araneta Coliseum.

At the historic Big Dome, Sabrina will get to experience up close how Pinoy hoopers play the game. She will take part in an exhibition game and do a 3-point shootout challenge on March 11 at 4 PM. Filipino basketball fans are invited to register at https://www.nike.com/ph/basketball/ to witness and be part of the 2025 Sabrina Manila Tour: Craft the Future Showcase. Like Sabrina, female hoopers can break out of the mold, break barriers, achieve their dreams, and inspire the next generation. Tickets to Craft the Future are FREE and will be available, first-come-first-served.

Sabrina will then continue to Guangzhou, China, where she will meet local athletes and visit some of their most hallowed courts — hosting a grassroots basketball camp for girls and sharing her messages of empowerment with female hoopers.

She will conclude her tour in Hong Kong, China, by getting a crash course in local hoops culture, experiencing street basketball in a local neighborhood, and visiting two schools to help students learn to break through barriers in life and sport.

Check about.nike.com/stories next month for behind-the-scenes coverage of Nike signature athlete Sabrina Ionescu’s tour of Asia. Watch out for more details at nike.com and the Nike app for updates about the tour.

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Jordan Brand Welcomes Class of 2028 to Wings Scholars Program Philippines

Three more high school students have joined the global community of Jordan Wings scholars who will achieve their dreams of excelling in life by pursuing quality higher education.

The Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program, the global community impact initiative dedicated to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth, welcomed three outstanding youths from Davao City, Batangas province and Los Baños, Laguna who will receive four-year scholarships that will allow them to pursue the course of their choice at Ateneo de Manila University

Maica Garcia from Ateneo de Davao University High School, Sofia Pequieras from Fame Academy of Science and Technology in Cuenca, Batangas, and Dan Cabangunay from the University of the Philippines Rural High School in Los Baños, Laguna, will enjoy full scholarships at the Ateneo and also benefit from mentorship programs. Jordan Brand Wings works with more than 30 partners globally to unlock access to education and mentorship for disadvantaged youth.

Kiefer Ravena, the first Filipino athlete to join the Jordan brand, welcomed the newest Wings scholars to the Jordan Wings family. “I know the gift of education is one of the best things we can have because it can bring us closer to our dreams. Jordan aims to connect that gap for you to get closer to your dreams and motivate the next generation of game-changers,” Kiefer said.

The Wings Scholars program is inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy and commitment to education and imparts his guiding principle of perseverance against all odds in pursuit of a goal—on and off the court.

Jordan Brand’s long-term commitment to the Philippines has continued to make a lasting impact in this country with a deep love for basketball. The program first took root in 2022, when the first Jordan Wings scholars were announced to the world. The Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to join the global Wings initiative after North America, China, and France. It continues to inspire youth around the world to achieve greatness on their own terms.

“Wings will always strive to empower youth and let them discover their own greatness. It’s education that opens doors and unlocks that greatness. The brand is all about creating a level playing field that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equality. We believe the ball should bounce the same for everyone,” says Jino L. Ferrer, Country Marketing Manager, Nike Philippines.

In partnership with children’s rights organization, Bahay Tuluyan, the scholars will also be provided with personalized coaching, career guidance and mentorship throughout their four-year tenure at the university.

Maica Angela Garcia will pursue an AB degree in Diplomacy and Internal Relations at Ateneo, while Sofia Theresa Pequieras and Dan Anthony Cabangunay will both take up Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics – Master in Data Science.

Many of the 3rd batch of Jordan Brand Wings scholars are first-generation college students in their families, a testament to the program’s dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for underprivileged youth.

“The Batch of 2028 will continue to pursue the spirit of excellence inspired by the Jordan Wings Scholarship Program and like the scholars who came before them, they will pay it forward to the community – a value that accurately reflects the Jordan Brand’s mission and purpose,” added Ferrer.

Meet the Wings Scholars from the Philippines, Class of 2028

Hailing from Davao City in Mindanao and the Southern Tagalog region, three scholars were chosen this year to be part of the Jordan Wings Scholars Program. They will pursue careers in international diplomacy and applied mathematics that will let them serve communities and larger society in the future.

Maica Angela Garcia grew up on Ateneo values, having spent all of her schooling life at the Ateneo de Davao, just like everyone in her family. A junior national swimmer, she has competed in the Palarong Pambansa (national games) and placed 5th nationwide in her event, even if she had to step back from the sport for a while for health reasons. Mai strongly believes that “failure does not define you, how you rise from it does”. She looks forward to what lies ahead – both in the pool and in the classroom, confident that she will overcome whatever comes her way.” Pursuing an AB in Diplomacy at the Ateneo, she has her sights set on becoming a lawyer, with politics and public service as part of her envisioned future, and a corporate life not far behind.

Sofia Theresa Pequieras has had a challenging childhood and teenhood in her native Cuenca, Batangas, having to help her mother take on all the responsibilities for her three children. She and her siblings experienced a difficult life as her mother tried to pay off unpaid loans her father had made. She and her siblings helped tend their little food stall, working well into the night so they could make ends meet. But despite the hardships, Sofia –a science high school student – excelled in school, filled her resume with leadership achievements, positions held, championships won, and graduated as valedictorian. Her dream is to become a data scientist in an F1 team, which is why she is pursuing a Data Science course at the Ateneo. “Reading helps me learn life lessons, researching soothes my innate curiosity about the world and watching F1 calms by physics-saturated mind, while playing tennis hones my skill in the sport,” she says. Ten years from now she sees herself outside of the country being a data scientist in an F1 team.

Dan Anthony Cabangunay’s family faced their most difficult challenge during the pandemic when he was still in high school. “What made it harder for me was my lack of means to help my parents aside from continuing to do my best in studying.” He applied for different assistance opportunities that came along while also minimizing his expenses. The high school salutatorian from the University of the Philippines Rural High School in Los Baños likes to tutor and teach, do research, undertake project management, and excel in languages and communication. “When I share knowledge, I feel I get to master the subject better.” He volunteers in organizations to teach students like himself—his way of giving back. He has technical skills—good enough to make him choose to major in Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics—Master in Data Science at the Ateneo.  Ten years from now he sees himself “establishing stability for my family (and guiding) my two siblings on their career paths. He sees himself as a teacher and also has a part in alleviating widespread malnutrition. There is also the possibility of law school or a doctorate degree. My plan is to continue giving back to others through teaching, volunteering, and donating once I have established myself further.”. His three best traits are “being optimistic, striving for continuous growth, and gratitude,” he said.

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NIKE, Inc. Signs Historic Partnership Extension with NBA, WNBA and NBA G League Through 2037

NIKE, Inc., the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a 12-year extension of their global outfitting, merchandising, marketing, and content partnership that solidifies NIKE, Inc. as the leader in global basketball and as the exclusive on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League.

NIKE, Inc. will extend its rights over 12 additional seasons to design and manufacture NBA, WNBA, and G League uniforms, on-court apparel, and fan apparel, furthering its commitment to grow and improve the sport of basketball for the next generation.

“NIKE has always been more than a league sponsor—we’re a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to growing the game alongside the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League,” says Elliott Hill, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO. “Our collective power, global reach, and genuine love for the game will only continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans.”

“This partnership extension reflects our enduring commitment to growing the game, championing basketball culture, and supporting the next generation of athletes,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “We put athletes and the game at the center of all we do, and this extension serves to further galvanize hoopers behind a shared pursuit of greatness as only NIKE, Inc. and our partners can.”

The global extension is highlighted by new content initiatives, a comprehensive commitment to grassroots basketball, as well as the continued development of a joint membership program that delivers benefits to fans of the brands through distinctive products, content, and experiences. As the biggest champion of the women’s game, Nike, Inc. is also deepening its investment in the WNBA.

“NIKE is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “With an added focus on youth basketball, our expanded partnership will create even more opportunities for aspiring players to learn and compete at all levels and for fans of all ages to engage with the NBA and WNBA.”

“Since our league’s inception, NIKE has committed to a shared vision for girls and women’s basketball,” says WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fanbase while globally showcasing the WNBA.”

NIKE, Inc. and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also extended their group license agreement, making NIKE, Inc. an official partner of the NBPA.

“We’re excited to renew our partnership with NIKE and continue to showcase our players’ efforts on and off the court,” says NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala. “This partnership highlights the reach, influence, and impact of our members, driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions of people around the world.”

The renewal follows the eight-year global outfitting, merchandising, marketing, and content partnership struck in 2015, which made NIKE, Inc. the official on-court outfitter beginning with the 2017-18 NBA season. Nike has been an NBA partner since 1992, a marketing partner of the WNBA since its inception in 1997 and a marketing partner of the NBA G League since the 2017-18 season.

Together, the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and NIKE will continue to expand basketball for the next generation by:

Introducing programs and resources to make best-in-class youth basketball accessible and scalable, prioritizing broad-based access to age- and stage-appropriate coaching, training, on-court development curriculum, and playing standards to youth of all backgrounds and abilities, including through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA.

Creating basketball programming and resources designed to increase access to the sport and improve the playing experience for girls of all levels, including through the Jr. WNBA and Basketball Without Borders (BWB).

Collaborating to enhance player, coach, and program development opportunities across the NIKE Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) through expanded leadership, player health, and on-court development programming.

NIKE, Inc. will further grow its established presence across marquee league events, including NBA Global Games, NBA All-Star, WNBA All-Star, the NBA Draft Combine, the WNBA Draft, WNBA Changemakers, the NBA Draft presented by State Farm®, the NBA 2K Summer League and the NBA G League Fall Invitational.

 

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Ja Morant’s Second Signature Shoe, the Ja 2, is Built for the Next Generation of Playmakers

Quick, high-flying, anon d elusive, Ja Morant needs a shoe that keeps pace with his game and helps him get up.

Enter the Ja 2, Nike’s solution for Morant and the next generation of playmakers whose dynamic performance demands the highest levels of support, bounce, responsiveness, and control.

Building off the success of Morant’s first signature shoe, the Ja 1, Nike designers created a second-generation silhouette that maximizes comfort and support, defending against the rigors of a full season of takeoffs, landings, and lateral movement.

“From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same. The work ethic doesn’t change,” Morant says. “It’s about comfort, more bounce, and bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know. We tell those stories through the colorways of my shoe.”

The Ja 2’s forefoot Air Zoom unit delivers extra bounce and effortlessly guides athletes through quick shifts on the court, while a molded midfoot panel drives lockdown responsiveness and control for hoopers who run the break or break off defenders one on one. An underfoot traction pattern — inspired by the semitrailer tires Morant used to train in his childhood backyard — further allows athletes to cut with confidence.

The silhouette’s sidewall guardrail is designed to protect and stabilize, giving players the confidence to take off unexpectedly, and a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding add comfort for any kind of movement. A ballistic mesh upper improves breathability all the while, no matter how much heat the game brings.

Morant’s hands-on creative approach shows up in several design elements of the Ja 2, including colorways that reflect the feeling of watching him compete and his background as Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete. The “Purple Sky” launch colorway, for example, is inspired by the fact that watching Morant in action — with his high-flying dunks, flashy ball handling skills, and intense energy — is as mesmerizing as looking up at a purple night sky.

The silhouette further reflects Morant’s story as a person and a player: It’s about his roots, his connection to the next generation, and how his drive to get up after getting knocked down can inspire us all.

Similar influences extend to the Ja 2 apparel collection, which speaks to Morant’s personal style, swagger, and connection to youth culture through energetic, artistic prints on his signature fleece hoodie and pants.

In a nod to Morant’s widespread influence on the game, his second signature silhouette will include kids’ sizes, and his fleece hoodie and pants will be available in extended sizes.

“In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world’s best athletes, help them be even better on the court, and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play,” says Josh Wachtel, VP/GM, Global Men’s Basketball. “The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need — it’s bouncy, fast, stable, looks great, and is available in kids’ sizes to serve the next generation.”

The Nike Ja 2 will be available on SNKRS and in select markets on September 26. The silhouette and apparel collection will be available globally at nike.com and select retailers on October 8.

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Nike and the LEGO Group Unite to Elevate the Power of Sport and Creative Play

What to know

  • Through a new multi-year partnership, Nike and the LEGO Group will bring to life the many ways sport and creative play can help all kids be the best versions of themselves.

  • Families around the globe could see a series of co-branded products, content and experiences beginning next year that combine the imaginative power of LEGO bricks with Nike’s “Just Do It” spirit to invite all kids into play and sport.

  • The partnership reflects Nike and the LEGO Group’s shared commitment to put creativity, fun, sport and imagination back into play, and inspire, engage and empower kids around the world.

NIKE, Inc. and the LEGO Group are proud to announce a multi-year partnership that will celebrate sport and creative play, creating new and exciting opportunities for kids and families worldwide.

With long histories of championing kids’ right to play, both brands know that creative and physical outlets are critical to children’s development — helping kids reach their full potential by fostering key life skills that allow them to thrive as they grow up.

Beginning next year, families around the globe could see a series of co-branded products, content, and experiences that combine the imaginative power of LEGO bricks with Nike’s “Just Do It” spirit to invite all kids into play and sport.

“At Nike, we believe in the power of sport to move the world forward, and that starts with kids,” says Cal Dowers, VP, Global Kids. “We’re committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive future that inspires kids of all ages and abilities to be more active. Together, with the LEGO Group, we’re excited to invite all kids into a new vision of sport and creative play.”

A recent LEGO Group study revealed that for a third of children globally, playtime is limited to just three hours a week, and according to the World Health Organization, only one in five kids gets the physical activity they need to thrive. Further, 59% of parents who participated in a separate LEGO Group survey indicated they worry their children don’t have enough playtime or access to fun activities.

This initiative marks Nike’s latest effort to power an active, inclusive world that inspires all youth to play and achieve their greatest potential. Nike focuses on breaking down barriers for youth, especially girls, through a focus on quality coaching, increasing access, and addressing societal barriers. And now, Nike and LEGO are teaming up to create new opportunities for kids.

The partnership reflects Nike and the LEGO Group’s shared commitment to put creativity, fun, sport, and imagination back into play, and inspire, engage, and empower kids around the world.

“At the LEGO Group, we believe in the power of play to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow,” says Alero Akuya, VP of Brand Development at the LEGO Group. “By combining the creativity of LEGO play with the energy and passion of sport, we want to inspire new ways for kids to play and be creative. We are excited to partner with NIKE, Inc. on this journey and help reimagine how creative play and sport can unite. Together, we will create unique experiences that will engage and excite kids around the world, inspiring them to explore their imaginations.”

For more information about the partnership, visit nike.com/lego or lego.com/nike.