Nike layoffs 2026 breakdown: Why is Nike cutting 1,400 jobs? Which departments and regions are hit hardest?

Nike layoffs 2026 explained: Nike Inc is continuing its effort to reshape the business, but the changes are coming with another round of job cuts.

Nike Layoffs 2026: Which Team and Region Will Be Impacted

The company plans to lay off about 1,400 employees, mainly from its global operations team, with a strong focus on technology roles, as per a report. These cuts will affect workers across North America, Asia and Europe and make up just under 2% of Nike’s global workforce, as reported by Reuters.

What’s the Reason Behind Nike's Latest Job Cuts

In a message to employees, Chief Operating Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy said the move is part of an ongoing effort to simplify how the company works. The goal is to make operations less complex and more responsive, while improving how different parts of the business connect.

What Venkatesh Alagirisamy Said About Nike Layoffs

Alagirisamy said, "These changes are meant to make the company less complex and more responsive," adding, "As we look ahead, that means simplifying parts of how we operate, using more advanced automation where it helps us work better, and building an even stronger end-to-end foundation for future growth," as quoted by Fox Business.

Nike’s Plan to Simplify Supply Chains and Operations

Nike is also looking to streamline its supply chain across materials, footwear and apparel, while bringing its technology work into two main centers, its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, and the Nike India Technology Center, as per the Reuters report.

Nike Job Cuts Follow Earlier Layoffs and Automation Push

This is the latest step in a series of changes. Earlier this year, Nike cut around 775 jobs as part of an automation push, and previous rounds of layoffs had already reduced its workforce as the company tried to adjust its structure.

Nike's Rising Competition From On, Hoka and Anta

These decisions come at a time when Nike is facing ongoing pressure. The company has been dealing with a prolonged slowdown in sales, while competitors like On, Hoka and Anta continue to gain ground.

Elliott Hill’s Turnaround Plan: Focus on Core Sports

Under CEO Elliott Hill, Nike is trying to refocus on core areas like running and soccer and speed up product launches. But results have been mixed, with only a few products standing out.

Nike Sales Forecast 2026: Why Revenue Is Expected to Decline

The company is also expecting sales to fall by 2% to 4% this quarter, with China, one of its most important markets, projected to see a sharp decline, expected to drop 20% in the quarter, as reported by Reuters.

FAQs

Why is Nike laying off employees?
Nike is cutting jobs to simplify operations, improve efficiency, and focus more on automation and technology.

How many employees are affected by Nike layoffs?
Around 1,400 employees are expected to be impacted globally.