Many people ask: Is Under Armour owned by Nike?
The short answer is No. Under Armour is an independent American company, founded and still operated separately.
In this article, I’ll share clear facts, key differences, and what this means for consumers choosing between the two brands.
Table of Contents
- Under Armour Is Independent
- Nike vs Under Armour: Company Overview
- Business and Market Differences
- Product Focus and Technology
- FAQ: Under Armour and Nike
- Conclusion
Under Armour Is Independent
- Founded: 1996
- Founder: Kevin Plank
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Under Armour is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol UA / UAA.
Nike holds no ownership stake.
This independence allows Under Armour to make its own product, pricing, and marketing decisions.
👉 Learn more at Under Armour Investor Relations.
Nike vs Under Armour: Company Overview
| Brand | Founded | Headquarters | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | 1964 (as Blue Ribbon Sports) | Beaverton, Oregon, USA | Public company (NYSE: NKE) |
| Under Armour | 1996 | Baltimore, Maryland, USA | Public company (NYSE: UA / UAA) |
Nike is much older and larger, while Under Armour is a younger, fast-growing performance brand.
Business and Market Differences
Nike
- Global leader in running, basketball, and lifestyle sneakers.
- Huge marketing partnerships with athletes and teams.
Under Armour
- Known for performance gear and compression technology.
- Strong presence in training and team sports.
Although both compete in sportswear, their market strategies differ greatly.
Product Focus and Technology
| Category | Nike Strength | Under Armour Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Iconic Air technology, lifestyle shoes | Running and training shoes with HOVR tech |
| Apparel | Wide fashion-athletic appeal | High-performance compression and HeatGear |
| Innovation | Flyknit, Air Zoom | ColdGear, UA RUSH, HeatGear fabrics |
| Marketing | Global athletes & cultural campaigns | Focus on performance-driven athletes |
Both companies invest heavily in innovation and athlete-tested products, but their design DNA differs.
FAQ: Under Armour and Nike
Q1: Is Under Armour a Nike subsidiary?
❌ No. Under Armour is an independent public company.
Q2: Are there any collaborations between the two?
👉 No official partnerships exist; they are direct competitors.
Q3: Does Nike manufacture Under Armour products?
❌ No. Each brand has its own supply chain and factories.
Q4: Which is bigger financially?
✅ Nike is much larger, with higher annual revenue and market share.
Conclusion
If you’ve wondered “Is Under Armour owned by Nike?” the answer is no.
Under Armour is an independent U.S. sportswear company, while Nike remains its biggest competitor.
Both have unique strengths—Nike with global scale and lifestyle influence, Under Armour with cutting-edge performance gear—so your choice depends on your personal sport and style needs.
External Resources
- Under Armour Official Site
- Nike Official Site
- Yahoo Finance – Stock and financial comparisons
