Authentic Brands Group, the company behind Element Skateboards, Airwalk, and Volcom, has reportedly shown interest in acquiring Converse if Nike were ever to sell.
Meanwhile, David Beckham, a shareholder of Authentic Brands Group, could help boost sales if the company acquires Converse.
As we previously reported, Converse has been struggling for some time, even under the leadership of Nike CEO Elliott Hill.
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Analysts point to a 26 percent drop in sales in the last quarter, showing that Converse remains one of Nike’s weaker performers. Though smaller than other Nike brands, its struggles are clear.
In the second fiscal quarter ending November 30th, 2025, Converse brought in $300 million in sales, down 30 percent on a reported basis, while Nike overall grew slightly, with sales rising 1 percent to $12.427 billion.
Nike has already taken steps to adjust the structure of Converse. Earlier this year, the company carried out job cuts and an internal reorganization while continuing to stress that it is committed to the brand and its new management team. Hill has confirmed that he has received calls about Converse’s future but insists the brand will remain part of Nike.
For Authentic Brands, a potential acquisition would fit the company’s approach of buying global brands and boosting them through licensing deals, operating partners, and new commercial agreements. This is the same strategy the company has used with Reebok after acquiring it from Adidas. However, at this point, the move remains hypothetical. No formal talks or offers have been made.
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Converse’s struggles are tied in part to its complicated legacy. Founded in 1908 in Boston, the brand earned its place in sneaker culture with the Chuck Taylor canvas sneaker, which began on basketball courts and later became a casual staple for skaters and streetwear enthusiasts.
While this history gives Converse credibility, it also makes reviving the brand challenging. Nike has tried to update its classic models with new technology for comfort and performance and has attempted to reconnect with basketball with the launch of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature shoe. Still, these efforts have not fully reversed the brand’s decline.
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Despite the setbacks, Converse remains an important part of skateboarding culture. Many professional skaters continue to wear the brand, and its influence in the skate shoe market keeps it relevant to both fans and sneaker collectors.
Nike’s commitment to the brand suggests that it sees value in keeping Converse connected to the skateboarding and sneaker community, even as it struggles to grow its sales.
Nike as a whole continues to perform steadily, closing the first half of fiscal 2026 with $24.147 billion in sales, a slight increase from the previous year. Net profit, however, fell 31 percent to $1.519 billion.
The company is expected to release third-quarter results soon, which may give more insight into how the broader sneaker and skate shoe market is faring under Nike’s leadership.
For now, Converse’s fate in the skateboarding world remains secure under Nike, even as rumors swirl and competitors like Authentic Brands watch from the sidelines.