Nike has made its biggest cricket move in India in years. The world’s largest sportswear brand has signed with Mumbai Indians, and it chose a franchise, not a national team, to do it. The Nike Mumbai Indians deal tells us a lot about where the money and attention in Indian cricket now sit.

What happened

Nike and Mumbai Indians announced a multi-year partnership that names Nike the official kit partner of both the franchise’s women’s and men’s teams in India, beginning with the 2027 season. The deal covers match kits, training apparel and sportswear for players, coaches and technical staff. 

It starts sooner than the kit launch. Athletes and staff will begin wearing Nike team gear this month, and the women’s and men’s teams will reveal new Nike kits ahead of their respective 2027 seasons. Fans will also be able to buy team kits and additional styles inspired by the identity, energy and culture of Mumbai. The value of the deal hasn’t been disclosed. 

Is Nike pushing for a comeback in India?

For years, Nike was a familiar part of Indian cricket, best known as the long-time kit maker for the national team, before stepping back. This deal marks its return to the heart of the sport, and the brand frames it as part of something bigger: the partnership marks a significant step in Nike’s continued investment in cricket, and reflects its long-term commitment to athletes, fans and the future of sport in India. 

Look at Nike’s moves this month together, and a pattern emerges. Just weeks ago, Nike announced it is building a new campus in Bengaluru, describing India as an important growth market and manufacturing hub, a story we explored in Nike is building a campus in India. What does it mean for Indian sports brands?