Nike Plans a New Global Campus in Bengaluru, India

Nike is making a big bet on India. When it reported its results for the first three months of its financial year on October 1, the sportswear company announced plans for a new global campus in Bengaluru, India. CEO Elliott Hill wrote to employees that the campus would be a "long-term investment" to help Nike succeed.

Hill said India is already an important growth market and a manufacturing hub for Nike, with strong skills and access to talent. The campus is expected to open within the next few years. It will house corporate jobs across the Nike brand, Jordan Brand and Converse. Nike plans to share more details at its investor day next month.

A Nike spokesperson told CNBC that expanding in India is a natural next step. More people across India are taking part in running, basketball, football and fitness, the spokesperson said, and Nike sees a chance to serve athletes better through stronger local skills, knowledge of shoppers and new ideas.

The numbers show why India is attractive. Reliance Industries, an Indian company, says India will be the world's third-largest retail market by 2030. IBEF, a business group created by the Indian government, says India's online shopping market was worth $159.25 billion in 2026 and could reach $332.94 billion by 2031.

Nike has been through a slump that has lasted for years, and Hill is leading a plan to fix its business. The company has been losing sales in another important market, China. Revenue in Greater China fell 26% in the quarter. Hill said North America did a little better than Wall Street expected, but not enough to make up for trouble in other countries. He said Nike is taking "deliberate actions" in China, such as refreshing its stores and improving its online presence, though the results will take time.

The spokesperson said China is still a long-term priority, while India gives Nike one more chance to build for the future of sport.