Nike, Formula 1 and WSOP Latest Sports Business Updates

Major commercial shifts are hitting the global sports landscape as Nike launches its “Rip the Script” football campaign, Formula 1 extends the Las Vegas Grand Prix through 2037, and the World Series of Poker (WSOP) partners with Warner Bros. Discovery to expand its broadcast reach across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

These developments signal a coordinated push by major brands and leagues to deepen their roots in high-growth markets. From retail activations in 5,000 locations to multi-billion dollar economic injections in Nevada, the focus is on long-term sustainability and cultural integration.

Why is Nike launching the “Rip the Script” campaign?

Nike’s new campaign focuses on promoting instinctive and creative play among footballers and fans. According to Helena Thornton, Vice President of Nike Brand Management, the company believes magical moments happen when players trust their instincts.

The initiative features a star-studded lineup. Current players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior join legends such as Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Eric Cantona, Didier Drogba, and Jorge Campos.

The campaign also blends sport with entertainment, featuring LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Travis Scott, Channing Tatum, and the character Ted Lasso. Nike is supporting this via retail displays across more than 5,000 locations worldwide.

Beyond marketing, Nike is introducing 2026 federation kit collections featuring Aero-FIT cooling technology. The brand is also updating its Mercurial, Phantom, and Tiempo boot lines.

Did You Know? Nike’s Toma el Juego street football programme has already staged over 100 tournaments across 20 cities and six continents.

How long will Formula 1 race in Las Vegas?

Formula 1 has secured a 10-year extension for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, ensuring the race remains on the calendar until 2037. The agreement involves F1, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., Clark County, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

The event is a significant economic driver for Southern Nevada, generating a cumulative impact of $3.2 billion since its 2023 debut. In 2025, the race produced $43 million in state and local tax revenue, with $15 million specifically allocated to K-12 education.

The 6.2km Las Vegas Strip Circuit takes drivers past landmarks like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio. On the track, Max Verstappen has won in 2023 and 2025, while George Russell won in 2024.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated that Las Vegas is a cornerstone of the sport’s presence in the U.S. The 39-acre Grand Prix Plaza also supports community programmes and STEM education initiatives.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the Las Vegas extension reflects a strategic shift toward “destination racing.” By tying the event to local tax revenues for education and STEM, F1 is transitioning from a visiting circuit to a permanent civic partner in Nevada.

Where can fans watch the World Series of Poker?

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has signed a three-year broadcast deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). This partnership brings the tournament to audiences across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Nike Football Commercial | RIP The Script #Nike #Ronaldo

In Europe and Asia, Eurosport will air six 45-minute highlights of the Main Event and Final Table. TNT Sports will handle highlights for the UK and Ireland, while HBO Max provides on-demand coverage in Europe.

For viewers in Latin America, the Space channel will air daily 15-minute highlights. All programming is produced by Omaha Productions.

Ty Stewart, CEO of WSOP, stated that a broadcast stage matching the stakes is necessary to grow the game. Trojan Paillot of WBD added that this expands the global footprint of poker’s biggest stage.

What may happen next in global sports commerce?

Given the current trajectories, Nike may further integrate its football collections with lifestyle fashion, potentially expanding its retro 1990s and early 2000s inspired ranges.

Formula 1’s presence in the U.S. could continue to grow as the Las Vegas race remains a sell-out event. This may lead to further investments in the Grand Prix Plaza’s community and STEM initiatives.

The WSOP’s partnership with WBD is likely to increase mainstream visibility in Latin America and Asia, which could lead to a rise in international participation in future prize-money competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology is included in Nike’s new 2026 kits?
The 2026 federation kit collections incorporate Aero-FIT cooling technology.

What was the economic impact of the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
Since its debut, the event has generated a cumulative economic impact of $3.2 billion for Southern Nevada.

Which company is producing the WSOP broadcast content?
All programming for the Warner Bros. Discovery partnership is produced by Omaha Productions.

Which of these sports expansions do you think will have the biggest impact on fan culture?