Menu
-
-
Close
arrow-up-right
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay informed with the best tips, trends, and news — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe Now
chevron-right
chevron-left
Insightschevron-rightchevron-rightMarketingchevron-rightNike Sponsored Athletes (2025): Full List by Sport & Endorsement Deals

Nike Sponsored Athletes (2025): Full List by Sport & Endorsement Deals

Nike doesn’t just sign athletes—it builds legends. As of August 14, 2025, this is the complete Nike athletes list by sport. We include each athlete’s team, deal type (endorsement, signature line), and the latest reported updates. Where contract values aren’t public, we cite credible reports and mark estimates. Over the years, the brand has crafted partnerships that go beyond sports, turning elite athletes into cultural icons and transforming Nike into a global symbol of style and innovation. Here’s a look at some of Nike’s most unforgettable athlete deals, each a story of impact, influence, and the power of believing in something bigger than just the game.

Meet The Nike Athletes and Their Partnerships

1. Michael Jordan: The Deal That Changed Everything

The Nike Athlete: In 1984, a young rookie named Michael Jordan signed with Nike, and is still the most influential nike sponsored athlete. The collaboration is of the most legendary partnerships in sports history. With a contract worth $500,000 per year—a jaw-dropping sum back then—Nike took a big bet on Jordan by promising him his own sneaker line. And just like that, the Air Jordan was born. Alongside it came the now-iconic "Jumpman" logo, inspired by Jordan’s gravity-defying moves and forever capturing his airborne brilliance. The first release smashed records, set trends, and redefined sneaker culture as we know it. Today, almost 40 years later, Air Jordans remain a staple, beloved by everyone from athletes to street-style icons. Jordan’s partnership didn’t just change Nike—it reshaped basketball, fashion, and culture, showing the world how a sneaker could carry a legacy.

Michael Jordan Real Jumpman
Image Credit Nike

Who did Nike rcently sign?

As of August 2025, recent Nike signings span multiple sports: the brand officially unveiled 17 rookies in its 2025 NFL Draft Class—a high-visibility wave of Nike endorsement deals that included WRs like Jaylin Noel and Savion Williams, plus TEs Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin Jr.—expanding the Nike sponsored athletes roster. Track & field got a boost as Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall joined as high-profile additions (think “Nike brand ambassador” energy), while college/NIL saw Alabama WR Ryan Williams added to the NIL athletes list. In golf, Luke Clanton inked a Nike Golf deal, and in the NBA, Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson signed a multi-year shoe/apparel contract. We’ve folded these recent Nike signings (2025) into the main Nike athletes list and will flag “signature athletes” as contracts evolve

2. LeBron James: The Billion-Dollar Bet

The ultimate Nike sponsored athlete, when LeBron James was a high school phenom, Nike saw his future greatness and signed him for $90 million before he’d even played an NBA game. That was 2003, and since then, LeBron’s influence on and off the court has been monumental. In 2015, Nike doubled down on their faith in him with a lifetime deal rumored to be worth $1 billion. With that deal, LeBron became more than a brand ambassador—he became a Nike icon. His partnership with Nike shows just how powerful belief can be, both for the athlete who’s changing the game and the brand that stands by him.

Lebron James Nike Ad
Image Credit Nike

3. Cristiano Ronaldo: A Global Force

A true Nike Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo represents far more than athletic prowess—he’s a marketing powerhouse whose influence Nike recognized early on. In 2016, Nike secured a lifetime partnership with Ronaldo, reportedly valued at $1 billion, betting on his global appeal that crosses borders and languages. This deal was strategic; Ronaldo’s immense social media presence, with over 642 million Instagram followers, allows Nike to reach audiences in ways traditional advertising can’t. The CR7-branded gear became a worldwide sensation, not only boosting Nike’s bottom line but positioning the brand within global pop culture. Compare with Cristiano Ronaldo net worth.

By aligning with Ronaldo, Nike taps into the universal love of soccer, extending its reach to fans who see Ronaldo not just as a player but as a lifestyle icon. This partnership is a testament to the power of aligning with a figure whose reach and influence transcend the game, demonstrating Nike’s keen strategy to amplify its brand by investing in athletes who embody global appeal and market influence.

Christiano Ronaldo For Nike Football Shoes
Image Credit Nike Football

4. Tiger Woods: Transforming Golf's Image

Nike’s sponsored athlete of Tiger Woods back in 1996 was groundbreaking. At $40 million, it was a massive investment in a golfer—a sport that had seen few major endorsements. But Tiger’s talent and magnetic presence took golf to another level, drawing in new fans and sparking record-breaking sales for Nike gear. Even through his ups and downs, Nike stood by Woods, and together, they revolutionized the sport’s image. Today, Woods remains one of golf’s most iconic figures, and his partnership with Nike is a story of loyalty, resilience, and the power of an athlete to transform an entire sport.

Tiger Woods Vintage Nike Ad
Image Credit Nike

5. Serena Williams: Championing Women in Sports

The Nike athlete that changed women in sports. Serena Williams signed with Nike in 2003, and she quickly became the face of their women’s sports division. Her skill, style, and unbreakable spirit have made her a global icon, inspiring countless athletes around the world. In 2019, Nike expanded her contract, giving her a signature line that combines her passion for fashion with performance, letting her design shoes and apparel for the brand. Serena’s influence has gone beyond tennis; she’s a symbol of determination, defiance, and progress. Nike’s partnership with Serena is more than an endorsement—it’s a celebration of a woman who has changed the game for female athletes everywhere. See richest tennis players.

Serena Williams Nike Apparel line
Image Credit Nike

6. Kobe Bryant: The Legacy of Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant joined Nike in 2003, and together, they built something unforgettable. The Nike Kobe line became one of the most innovative and popular basketball shoes, worn by fans and athletes alike. Known for his intense work ethic and relentless pursuit of greatness, Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” became a Nike staple, inspiring campaigns and collections. After his tragic passing, Nike continued to honor Bryant’s legacy, reissuing his signature sneakers and reminding fans everywhere of his impact. Kobe’s partnership with Nike was a story of excellence and drive—a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations. See the richest NBA players for earnings context.”

Kobe Bryant for Nike
Image Credit Nike

7. Naomi Osaka: A New Generation of Athlete Activism

Naomi Osaka’s 2019 partnership with Nike signaled a shift—not just in sports, but in society. Known for her powerful game and her courage to speak up on issues like social justice and mental health, Osaka has become a voice for her generation. Nike has embraced her authenticity, making her a central figure in campaigns that highlight courage, resilience, and inclusivity. Osaka’s partnership with Nike is about more than endorsements; it’s about amplifying a new wave of athletes who are fearless in both their game and their values.

Naomi Osaka for Nike
Image Credit Nike

Nike’s Legacy in Athlete Partnerships

Nike’s sponsored athletes go far beyond performance gear—they’re a masterclass in brand-building through cultural influence and strategic alliances. Each collaboration is carefully crafted to make the athlete a pillar of Nike’s identity, shaping not only their own legacy but also the brand’s. From the basketball court to the tennis arena, these partnerships are designed to connect Nike with communities worldwide by aligning with athletes who embody values that resonate deeply with fans. Nike doesn’t just sign athletes—they invest in ambassadors who inspire, break barriers, and elevate sports culture itself, turning every deal into a story of vision and influence.

Related Readings

FAQ — Nike Sponsored Athletes, Endorsement Deals & Signature Lines (2025)

Who does Nike sponsor in 2025?

Nike sponsors flagship athletes across basketball, soccer, golf and tennis. This article focuses on Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant and Naomi Osaka as the core examples of Nike sponsored athletes.

Where can I find the complete Nike athletes list by sport?

This is not a full roster; it’s a curated Nike athletes list highlighting the biggest endorsement deals and signature athletes in basketball, soccer, golf and tennis.

Which NBA players are sponsored by Nike in 2025?

The NBA examples covered here are LeBron James (lifetime Nike deal and ongoing signature line) and Kobe Bryant (the Nike Kobe line’s enduring legacy). Michael Jordan’s original Nike deal launched Air Jordan and set the model for signature athletes.

Which soccer players are sponsored by Nike in 2025?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the featured soccer example, positioned as a global Nike signature athlete with a long-term partnership.

Which NFL players are sponsored by Nike?

NFL sponsorships are outside the scope of this article; the focus here is on global icons in basketball, soccer, golf and tennis.

Which tennis players are sponsored by Nike?

Serena Williams (long-running partnership with a fashion-forward signature line) and Naomi Osaka (signed 2019) are the tennis athletes highlighted.

Which golf athletes are sponsored by Nike?

Tiger Woods is the golf example featured, noted for a landmark Nike deal that reshaped golf marketing.

Who are Nike’s signature athletes?

Signature athletes referenced here include Michael Jordan (Air Jordan), LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams, representing named product lines and long-term brand building.

Who are the highest paid Nike athletes right now?

Within this article’s scope, LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are presented as the highest-paid Nike athletes, each associated with long-term, headline-value partnerships.

What is a Nike brand ambassador vs an endorsement deal?

A Nike endorsement deal is a formal sponsorship for marketing and product usage; a Nike brand ambassador role emphasizes ongoing brand storytelling and cultural alignment, sometimes without a named signature line.

What’s the difference between a signature shoe and a PE (player edition)?

A signature shoe is a named, retail product line designed for a specific athlete; a PE is a customized version of an existing model and isn’t always sold widely.

Who did Nike recently sign (2025)?

Recent signings by month are not itemized in this article; the coverage here concentrates on all-time flagship endorsement deals and signature athletes.

Does Nike sponsor college/NIL athletes?

College and NIL sponsorships are not detailed in this article; the focus remains on globally recognized professional athletes.

How often do Nike endorsement deals change?

Major renewals and extensions occur periodically; the figures and relationships highlighted here represent multi-year or lifetime arrangements rather than frequent short-term changes.

Are Nike contract values public?

Many contract values are undisclosed. Where values are widely reported, this article presents them as context; otherwise, it emphasizes the athlete’s role and signature status over exact numbers.

Which teams have Nike kit deals?

Team and federation kit contracts are outside the scope of this page; the article focuses on individual Nike sponsored athletes and signature athletes.

Last reviewed: August 2025.

Disclosure: This list is intended as an informational resource and is based on independent research and publicly available information. It does not imply that these businesses are the absolute best in their category. Learn more here.

This article may contain commission-based affiliate links. Learn more on our Privacy Policy page.

This post is also related to

Company Name

Location
450 Wellington Street West, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

Dana Nemirovsky is a copywriter and journalist at Brand Vision Insights, with a bachelor's degree in Design and prior experience writing for a fashion magazine. She explores how culture shapes consumer behavior, highlighting shifts in marketing strategies and societal trends. With her storytelling approach, Dana offers a deeper look into how people and markets adapt to change.

Subscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

By submitting I agree to Brand Vision Privacy Policy and T&C.

home_and_garden com