Nike layoffs and AI

Not according to Nike. It named no AI reason for its October 2026 cut, citing an overhaul of how it operates, to modernise its supply chain, realign to three geographies and reduce costs. No credible outlet or named analyst linked the cut to AI, so it is not in the register of AI-linked job cuts. For its 2 earlier cuts since January 2026, it named automation, not AI.

Nike announced Pace, an overhaul of how it operates that includes further streamlining of the organisation and layoffs starting in 2027; it told Reuters it does not yet know how many positions will be cut. It was announced in October 2026. Nike did not give a number.

Nike cited an overhaul of how it operates, to modernise its supply chain, realign to three geographies and reduce costs. In its own words: "Pace includes efforts to modernize NIKE's global supply chain, the establishment of a new campus in India to fuel its enterprise capabilities, a realignment to three geographies, and further streamlining of the organization to reduce costs." (NIKE, Inc., in its fiscal 2027 first-quarter results release).