Settlement Overview: Nike and StockX have reached a settlement in their trademark dispute concerning sneaker-linked NFTs, concluding a three-year legal battle. This agreement cancels a jury trial that was scheduled for October, protecting both companies from potential reputational and legal repercussions.
Legal Implications: The settlement dismisses all claims with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. This resolution spares StockX from liability regarding broader misuse of Nike’s brand and allows Nike to avoid scrutiny of its intellectual property enforcement strategies by a jury.
Background of the Dispute: The conflict began in early 2022 when Nike accused StockX of trademark infringement related to its “Vault” NFTs, which featured Nike sneakers. Nike claimed these NFTs misled consumers into believing the company endorsed them, while StockX argued they were merely digital receipts for physical goods.
Escalation of Claims: Tensions heightened in May 2022 when Nike amended its complaint to include allegations of StockX selling counterfeit sneakers. A ruling in March 2023 found StockX liable for selling four fake pairs of Nike shoes and an additional 33 pairs to a customer, leading to the eventual settlement.
Developments in Digital Fashion and Web3
RTFKT Operations Wind Down: Nike-owned RTFKT, a digital fashion and web3 studio, announced plans to cease its Web3 services by January 2025. The company aims to preserve its legacy through an updated website showcasing past projects, following a lawsuit from investors over the abrupt shutdown of its digital collectibles venture.
The Sandbox Leadership Changes: The Metaverse platform The Sandbox is undergoing significant changes after the departure of its co-founders and a majority takeover by Animoca Brands. New CEO Robby Yung has been appointed, while co-founders Sébastien Borget and Arthur Madrid have taken on reduced roles amid dissatisfaction with the platform's performance.
Performance Issues: Despite raising $300 million over eight years, The Sandbox has struggled to attract users, with daily active usage reportedly in the low hundreds, many of which are suspected to be bots. The platform's native token, SAND, has seen a dramatic decline, falling over 95% from its 2021 highs, with its market cap dropping from $8 billion to approximately $700 million.
NKE
$67.12+Infinity%1D
Analyst Views on NKE
Wall Street analysts forecast NKE stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NKE is 85.60 USD with a low forecast of 68.00 USD and a high forecast of 120.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
28 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast NKE stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NKE is 85.60 USD with a low forecast of 68.00 USD and a high forecast of 120.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
19 Buy
9 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 67.780
Low
68.00
Averages
85.60
High
120.00
Current: 67.780
Low
68.00
Averages
85.60
High
120.00
BWG Global
Positive -> Mixed
downgrade
2025-12-12
New
Reason
BWG Global
Price Target
2025-12-12
New
downgrade
Positive -> Mixed
Reason
BWG Global downgraded its view of Nike to Mixed from Positive, citing checks.
Guggenheim
NULL
to
Buy
initiated
$77
2025-12-09
Reason
Guggenheim
Price Target
$77
2025-12-09
initiated
NULL
to
Buy
Reason
Guggenheim initiated coverage of Nike with a Buy rating and $77 price target. The retail sector still seems to be perceived as "structurally sick," but the firm says "holiday brought the cheer," tariffs have been manageable so far and "most importantly and likely going unnoticed" is the fact that the majority of the firm's coverage actually operates at, or close to, their gross margin peaks.
Citi
Neutral
downgrade
$74 -> $70
2025-12-09
Reason
Citi
Price Target
$74 -> $70
2025-12-09
downgrade
Neutral
Reason
Citi lowered the firm's price target on Nike to $70 from $74 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares ahead of the fiscal Q2 report on December 18. The firm expects Nike to report an earnings beat on stronger sales and lower spending. However, Citi sees the company guided Q3 sales below consensus amid challenges in direct-to-consumer and China. The stock offers a balanced risk/reward at current share levels, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
JPMorgan
Matthew Boss
Overweight -> Buy
downgrade
$100 -> $86
2025-11-17
Reason
JPMorgan
Matthew Boss
Price Target
$100 -> $86
2025-11-17
downgrade
Overweight -> Buy
Reason
JPMorgan analyst Matthew Boss lowered the firm's price target on Nike to $86 from $100 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm adjusted retail estimates following its Global Luxury and Brands Conference in Paris.
About NKE
NIKE, Inc. is engaged in the designing, marketing and distributing of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories and services for sports and fitness activities. The Company's operating segments include North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA); Greater China; and Asia Pacific & Latin America (APLA). It sells a line of equipment and accessories under the NIKE Brand name, including bags, socks, sport balls, eyewear, timepieces, digital devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment and other equipment designed for sports activities. It also designs products specifically for the Jordan Brand and Converse. The Jordan Brand designs, distributes and licenses athletic and casual footwear, apparel and accessories predominantly focused on basketball performance and culture using the Jumpman trademark. The Company also designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories under the Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Star Chevron and Jack Purcell trademarks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
