Nike Stock Rises Pre-Market — A Google AI Shopping Push Could Be The Catalyst

• The rollout arrives just weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a key global marketing moment for the sportswear giant.
• Consumers in the U.S. will be able to find and buy Nike products directly from Nike in the Gemini app and AI Mode.
• Investors appeared encouraged by the move as Nike looks to reignite growth after a difficult year for the stock.

Shares of Nike were up nearly 0.3% pre-market on Wednesday after the company announced a tie-up with Alphabet’s Google for an AI-powered shopping experience for customers. The initiative lands ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, when demand for football gear and fan merchandise is expected to surge.

AI-Powered Shopping Through Google Gemini

Nike’s new artificial intelligence-powered shopping feature will allow U.S. consumers to find and buy Nike products directly through Google’s Gemini app and AI Mode in Search. The company is integrating Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol-powered multi-item checkout, which enables shoppers to move from product discovery to checkout directly without switching between screens.

Launch Set Ahead Of FIFA World Cup 2026

The feature is scheduled to launch in early June, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins on June 11. Nike will integrate Google’s new AI commerce capability, enabling a more seamless experience for consumers to find and buy the latest Nike products, including football boots, kits and fan apparel.

Shannon Glass, VP, Nike Direct, said, “There’s no better time than the world’s biggest global football moment for us to show up with innovation that meets athletes when they’re inspired and when sport is at its peak.”

Google recently introduced an intelligent shopping cart feature that allows users to add products and complete checkout across Google and multiple brands using stored payment and shipping details from Google Wallet.

NKE Stock: What Do Retail Traders Say?

Stocktwits data shows retail sentiment for Nike is 'bullish' with 'high' message volume.

One bullish user stated that the stock is “currently trending in pole position,” suggesting strong momentum and attention. The user also references their chart setup showing a “purple upward arrow signaling a strong buy signal,” reinforcing a bullish view.

The latest update comes as Nike announced a second round of layoffs in April, cutting about 1,400 jobs. This followed an earlier round in January, when the company eliminated 775 roles. 

Since the start of the year, Nike’s shares have dropped by around 30%. 

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