Nike CEO Elliott Hill opened up about the company’s turnaround strategy as the brand celebrated its annual “Just Do It” Day, outlining how a renewed focus on sports is central to Nike’s future.

Hill said Nike drifted toward lifestyle and fashion in recent years, but that the company’s strongest growth comes when it stays rooted in athletic performance and innovation.

“We had become more lifestyle-oriented, more fashion-oriented,” Hill said in an exclusive interview with FOX Business anchor Liz Claman on “The Claman Countdown.” “When we focus on sport, we win, and that is what I’m challenging the team to do as quickly as possible.”

Hill, who stepped in as CEO in 2024, said an excess of online promotions impacted profitability and said Nike has done a “really nice job” of refocusing on product and innovation.

NIKE’S NEW SLOGAN IS THE PERFECT MOTTO FOR AN ANXIOUS AMERICA

Elliott Hill, chief executive officer at Nike Inc., following a Bloomberg Television interview in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“I feel really good about the work the team has done, but like everything, what happens next is revenue, market share and share price follows,” he said. “So, it’s a sequential improvement, and I feel much better about the foundation of our business.”

Claman pressed the CEO on the challenges the stock has faced and how he is interacting with Wall Street as investors grow impatient with the company’s market performance.

Nike’s stock is down 30% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 is up 11%.

“How are you dealing with the Wall Street community that’s kind of pushing you around?” Claman asked.

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“What I keep trying to say is, we’re not managing the business for this quarter or next quarter. We’re managing it for the long term, and we’re setting this business up for the next 20-year run,” Hill said.

Hill also addressed the massive sports partnerships Nike has secured, including the company’s long-term deal with the NBA and its sponsorship of 12 teams competing in the FIFA World Cup, including the United States, France and Brazil.

FIFA World Cup winner’s Trophy at FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule announcement on Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Nike will be outfitting the 12 World Cup teams and debuted Team USA’s red, white and blue soccer jersey during “The Claman Countdown” exclusive on Thursday.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC EXPLAINS WHY HIS SCREAMING CELEBRATION WAS ABOUT MORE THAN ENDING SCORING DROUGHT

“It’s this collision of sport and culture because we also have some incredible collaborations off the pitch, and really proud of our 31-year relationship with U.S. Soccer Federation and looking forward to our country hosting it,” Hill told FOX Business.

Nike’s World Cup push is intensifying, with the sportswear giant’s recent release of a star-studded advertisement featuring cameos from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jason Sudeikis and Travis Scott aimed at building excitement for the tournament.

The Nike CEO said soccer is one of the company’s “biggest opportunities” and that the sportswear brand will continue to invest in the game.

Hill emphasized the importance of Nike focusing on sport above all else.

Beaverton, Oregon, USA – Apr 24, 2019: The Nike “Swoosh” logo at one of the entrances to Nike World Headquarters.

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“That’s the best of Nike is when we have a portfolio of sports that… we’re invested in all of them in terms of innovation and storytelling and athletes, and that’s with the power of Nike,” he said.

“I keep talking about sports, sports, sports, because that’s what authenticates our brand,” Hill added. “But the power of it is not just the sport component — it’s the culture and the lifestyle — and when you get those two to collide, that’s when we have special specialness and magic.” 

SAN ANTONIO — A fan made headlines Wednesday night by dashing onto the court during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks to snap a selfie with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, prompting swift security intervention and a mix of amusement and concern from viewers.

The incident occurred in the first half at the Frost Bank Center as the game was underway. Video footage showed the fan approaching Wembanyama, who was on the court, and quickly taking a photo before security guards escorted him away. The crowd reacted with boos as the fan was removed, and play resumed shortly after without further disruption.

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with clips circulating widely. Many fans expressed disbelief at the boldness of the act during one of basketball’s biggest stages, while others found humor in Wembanyama’s calm reaction. The 7-foot-4 rookie phenom appeared unfazed, smiling slightly as the fan was removed.

Security at NBA arenas is typically tight, especially during playoff and Finals games. The league has protocols in place to handle court-storming incidents, which are rare but not unprecedented. The fan was reportedly removed from the arena and could face charges or a lifetime ban, though officials have not yet released specific details.

The Spurs and Knicks were locked in a competitive Game 1, with the Knicks ultimately winning 105-95 after overcoming a double-digit deficit. Wembanyama finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds but struggled with his shot, going 6-for-21 from the field. The fan incident added an unexpected sideshow to an already intense matchup.

League officials and arena security are reviewing the breach to determine how the fan gained access to the court. NBA arenas employ multiple layers of security, including bag checks, metal detectors and personnel monitoring sidelines. Such incidents, though infrequent, highlight the challenges of balancing fan engagement with player safety during high-stakes games.

Wembanyama, in his first NBA Finals appearance, has drawn massive attention throughout the postseason. The 22-year-old’s size, skill and personality have made him a focal point for fans and media alike. The selfie attempt reflects the intense admiration he has garnered in a short time, though it crossed a clear boundary.

The Spurs organization has not commented publicly on the incident beyond standard security protocols. The NBA typically handles fan-related disruptions internally, with potential legal consequences for the individual involved. Similar past events have resulted in arrests and bans from league venues.

Fan reactions ranged from amusement to criticism. Some viewed it as a harmless, if misguided, expression of fandom, while others worried about player safety and the precedent it sets. Social media users shared memes and commentary, with many joking about the fan’s boldness compared to the game’s intensity.

The Knicks’ victory in Game 1 shifted focus back to on-court action, but the fan incident remained a talking point. Jalen Brunson’s 30-point performance and the Knicks’ late surge dominated postgame analysis, yet the selfie moment provided a lighter, if controversial, highlight.

Security experts note that high-profile events like the NBA Finals require heightened vigilance. Fans are screened thoroughly, but determined individuals occasionally find ways to bypass measures. The league continues to refine protocols to prevent such disruptions while maintaining an engaging atmosphere for spectators.

Wembanyama has handled his sudden fame with notable composure. His on-court maturity and off-court humility have earned praise from teammates, coaches and opponents. The incident did not appear to affect his focus, as he continued contributing despite shooting inefficiencies.

For the Spurs, Game 1 exposed areas needing improvement, particularly defensive rotations and secondary scoring. Coach Mitch Johnson will look for adjustments ahead of Game 2 on Friday, where San Antonio will aim to even the series at home.

The NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of professional basketball, drawing massive global audiences. Incidents like the fan selfie add unexpected elements but also underscore the need for robust security to protect players and maintain the integrity of the competition.

As the series continues, focus will remain on the basketball itself. The Knicks hold a 1-0 lead, and both teams will prepare for a long battle. Wembanyama’s growth throughout the playoffs has been remarkable, and fans will watch to see how he responds in Game 2.

The fan’s actions, while memorable, serve as a reminder of the boundaries between spectators and participants. League officials will likely review security footage and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in future games.

For now, the basketball world shifts attention to Friday’s Game 2. The Spurs seek redemption at home, while the Knicks aim to build on their road victory. Wembanyama, already a focal point, will look to deliver a stronger performance after his Game 1 struggles.

The 2026 NBA Finals have already delivered drama both on and off the court. As the series unfolds, moments like the fan incident add color to the competition, reminding everyone of the passion that makes the NBA a global phenomenon.

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 686.23 points, or 1.35%, to close at 51,373.30 on Thursday, marking its strongest daily gain in weeks as investors welcomed robust employment figures and signs that inflation continues to moderate toward the Federal Reserve’s target.

The blue-chip index extended its recent recovery, driven by broad-based buying across sectors. Technology, financial services and industrial stocks led the advance, reflecting optimism about economic resilience and the potential for monetary easing later this year. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted solid gains, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq rising more than 1.2% on continued enthusiasm for artificial intelligence-related companies.

Thursday’s rally came after the Labor Department reported stronger-than-expected job growth in May, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 272,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, while wage growth moderated slightly, easing concerns about an overheating labor market. Economists had anticipated a gain of around 185,000 jobs, making the report a positive surprise that signaled the economy remains on solid footing without excessive inflationary pressure.

The data helped alleviate fears of an imminent recession while reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates in the coming months. Traders now price in roughly two quarter-point reductions by year-end, with the first move possibly coming as early as September. Lower borrowing costs would support corporate investment and consumer spending, providing a favorable backdrop for equities.

Major Dow components contributed significantly to the session’s advance. Apple, Microsoft and Goldman Sachs were among the top performers, each rising more than 2%. The technology sector benefited from continued optimism around AI infrastructure spending, while financial stocks gained on expectations of stable net interest margins in a gradually easing rate environment. Industrial names like Caterpillar and Boeing also advanced as investors bet on sustained business investment.

Market breadth was positive, with advancing issues outnumbering decliners by a wide margin on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was elevated, indicating broad participation rather than isolated buying. Volatility measures, including the VIX, declined modestly, reflecting reduced fear among investors.

This session follows a period of consolidation for the Dow, which had pulled back from recent highs amid mixed corporate earnings and geopolitical uncertainties. Thursday’s move suggests renewed confidence in the soft-landing scenario, where the economy slows enough to curb inflation without tipping into recession.

Analysts noted that the combination of strong job growth and moderating wage pressures represents an ideal outcome for policymakers. The Fed has emphasized its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Recent readings showing core inflation trending lower have supported the view that the central bank can afford to ease policy without reigniting price pressures.

The rally also extended to small- and mid-cap stocks, with the Russell 2000 rising more than 1.8%. Smaller companies, which are more sensitive to domestic economic conditions, often outperform during periods when rate cuts appear likely. The outperformance highlights a rotation into value-oriented and cyclical names after months of dominance by large-cap technology stocks.

International markets showed mixed results. European indices closed mostly higher on similar economic optimism, while Asian markets were mixed amid concerns over China’s property sector. The U.S. dollar weakened slightly against major currencies, providing a tailwind for multinational companies with significant overseas revenue.

Bond yields moved lower following the jobs report, with the 10-year Treasury note falling below recent highs. This dynamic supported growth stocks by reducing the discount rate applied to future earnings. Credit markets remained stable, indicating no immediate stress in corporate borrowing conditions.

Corporate America has largely delivered solid earnings results in the current reporting season. Forward guidance from major firms has been cautiously optimistic, with many highlighting resilience in consumer spending and business investment. Technology and healthcare sectors have been standout performers, while energy and materials companies have faced pressure from commodity price fluctuations.

Looking ahead, investors will focus on upcoming inflation data and retail sales figures for further confirmation of the economic outlook. The Fed’s next policy meeting in mid-June will be closely watched for any shifts in tone regarding the timing and pace of potential rate cuts.

Market strategists recommend maintaining a diversified approach in the current environment. While the jobs report was positive, risks remain, including geopolitical developments, potential trade policy changes and the possibility of renewed inflationary pressures in certain sectors. Quality companies with strong balance sheets and clear growth runways are favored by many analysts.

The Dow’s performance this year highlights the resilience of large-cap industrial and financial companies. Their ability to generate consistent cash flow provides a buffer during uncertain times, supporting the index even as other segments face headwinds.

For individual investors, Thursday’s rally serves as a reminder of the market’s capacity for swift recovery when economic fundamentals align with policy expectations. While daily fluctuations generate headlines, the broader trend since early 2023 has been one of gradual expansion driven by innovation and economic adaptability.

Sector rotation remains a dominant theme. Capital has shifted toward areas perceived as more defensive or undervalued, while some high-growth names have experienced profit-taking. This dynamic is typical during periods of economic transition and policy uncertainty.

The current market environment features solid fundamentals tempered by policy caution. Thursday’s strong gain in the Dow Jones Industrial Average fits within normal market fluctuations rather than signaling an immediate reversal of recent trends.

Investors will continue monitoring Federal Reserve communications closely. Any indication of earlier or more substantial rate cuts could provide additional support for equities, while persistent inflation might extend the period of elevated rates and pressure valuations.

As summer approaches, focus will increasingly turn toward second-half growth prospects and the Fed’s policy trajectory for the remainder of 2026. Thursday’s performance suggests investors are maintaining cautious optimism rather than rushing toward either extreme.

The Dow’s close at 51,373.30 reflects a market balancing enthusiasm for economic resilience with realism about the current policy environment. The blue-chip index remains a key barometer for investor sentiment toward the broader economy.

“Society’s response was to come up with a sensible policy and regulatory framework that gave people confidence in oil and the benefits that oil could provide to the world, and meant that you didn’t have to worry about the personalities of the people leading the companies”, Clark said. “That’s clearly where we end up here.”

Before Christian Pulisic was dubbed “Captain America” for the U.S. men’s national soccer team, he was just a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania dreaming about one day scoring the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup. 

Pulisic’s World Cup dreams came to fruition in 2022 in Qatar, but four years later, the Stars and Stripes will have No. 10 back representing the country in the World Cup on home soil. 

As a result, another popular product from his hometown is honoring their American hero. 

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Hershey’s created a limited-edition Christian Pulisic chocolate bar to honor their hometown hero before the World Cup.  (Hershey’s / Fox News)

Hershey’s, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, has created a full-circle moment with Pulisic in a way that fans can quite literally taste for themselves. 

Hershey’s is launching limited-edition PULISIC’S Milk Chocolate Bars, which feature custom wrappers with his printed signature on it. 

“It’s the coolest. I don’t know what else to say,” Pulisic told Fox Business in an interview about how the iconic chocolate brand is honoring him. “Just being a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, living chocolate, breathing chocolate, smelling the chocolate from my house. It’s incredible. “Just so many memories. 

“Now, to see my name on a chocolate bar and just be working with Hershey’s during this moment it’s honestly a dream come true.”

Pulisic isn’t kidding either – he would literally smell the chocolate being made in town from his backyard as a kid. 

Hershey’s is honoring their hometown hero, USMNT star Christian Pulisic, with a limited-edition chocolate bar.  (Hershey’s / Fox News)

“Yeah, I mean, there are absolutely times that you do. I remember smelling it more when it rained. It’s just weird and there’s things in the town where you’re used to it,” he said, smiling. 

The bars will be handed out to the first 5,000 guests at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania at 9 a.m. on June 6 for free, while the first 3,000 guests at the Times Square location in New York City at 10 a.m. will also receive the bar. “At Hershey’s, we know your ‘happy place’ is about the people and places that stay with you, and Hershey is that for Christian. The town that raised him and never stopped cheering,” said Katrina Vatter, Hershey’s Senior Brand Manager, in a statement.

Pulisic is entirely focused on making a World Cup run with his 25 brothers also representing the U.S. around him, but he admitted it’s hard to fully wrap his head around what Hershey’s is doing for him as a hometown hero who was just looking to achieve his dreams on the pitch. 

Christian Pulisic of United States reacts during the international friendly match between United States and Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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He’s done much more than that, though. And as the World Cup will be played in the U.S., as well as Mexico and Canada, this year, Pulisic’s impact is even more profound – from Hershey to the far reaches of the 50 states. 

“I was a kid in the backyard just pretending trying to score the goal to win the World Cup. I mean, that’s just what I was doing back in Hershey, Pa. To now have this moment and it comes full circle, playing in the biggest moment in the world in America, there’s nothing like it. It feels incredibly special,” he said. 

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