Nike to sack 1,400 workers

Sportswear company Nike has announced it is laying off about 1,400 employees to streamline workflows.

Nike announced this via a memo issued by the company’s ‌Chief Operating Officer, Venkatesh Alagirisamy, on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Alagirisamy said the company would cut jobs in global operations – mainly technology – in North America, Asia, and Europe, accounting for a little less than 2% of the global workforce.

Alagirisamy noted that the cuts will allow the company to better integrate its supply ⁠chains for ​materials, footwear and apparel, and to focus its technology operations ​in two main hubs – its Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters, and the Nike India Technology Center.

It is the latest in a string of ​job cuts at Nike, most recently the axing in January of 775 roles in a bid ​to speed up automation.

Nike had said in a March SEC filing ​that headcount adjustments ⁠could be coming.

Shares edged up about 0.5% in after-hours trading. Nike shares have lost more ⁠than half their value in the last three years, as nimbler competitors like On, Hoka, and ​Anta have won more shelf space.

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CEO Elliott Hill, who took the helm in 2024, has vowed to ​re-centre the company’s brand on core sports like running and soccer, and bring new and innovative shoes to market quickly.

Last year, Hill said turning Nike around would depend ​on the company delivering “something new to the consumer week after week,” but new rollouts have yet to move the ‌needle, ⁠with the exception of the Vomero 18 shoe, which launched last year and reached $100 million in sales in three months.

The company has forecast a 2% to 4% drop in sales in the current quarter. China, its primary trouble spot, is expected to fall 20% in the quarter.