Mbappé Leaves Nike for On After 20 Years

Nike chose not to renew its deal with him.

That old deal had lasted for about two decades.

So this is a clear break after a long partnership.

That is a major shift, especially for a player like Mbappé.

Why is On so excited about this deal?

Because this is On’s first signing in football.

The company said it wants a fresh view of the sport.

Mbappé also said he wants to build something new.

So both sides are talking about new ideas, not just a logo.

That sounds bigger than one sponsorship.

What else did On announce with this move?

On also named Thierry Henry as director of football.

He is a retired French star.

So On is adding a famous face with football experience.

It looks like a stronger push into the sport.

I also noticed Mbappé has been with Nike since he was a child.

That makes this change feel even bigger.

Why did Nike decide to step back now?

A person familiar with the matter said Nike felt it had used its money.

The person said it had used it on his best years.

The person said Nike wanted to spend that money elsewhere.

Nike is also dealing with weaker sales.

It has had problems in China too.

So this is not only about one player leaving.

It is also about pressure inside Nike.

What does this say about the company’s bigger picture?

The company’s stock has fallen about 50% in the past year.

Nike is trying to rebuild brand loyalty.

It is also trying to improve product ideas under its chief executive.

So this move fits a wider period of change.

That gives the story a much wider business meaning.

Noah, thanks.

Many Americans say AI should slow down, not stop.

Now we go to Ella, our LinguaWire correspondent for technology.

Thanks, Daniel. The poll shows mixed feelings about AI.

People worry AI could be used to harm people.

They also worry it could take jobs.

But most do not want to stop AI completely.

So this is not a full rejection of AI.

What do people want instead?

Many people want AI to slow down.

They still think the U.S. needs to develop it.

They also think the U.S. must stay competitive with China.

So they want control, not a full stop.

That is a careful balance.

Do they see any good side to AI?

Yes, they do.

Some people see possible gains in medical treatment.

They also expect AI to make tasks easier.

So the picture is not only worry.

I hear both hope and fear in that answer.

Who do people want to manage the risks?

Most people do not trust AI companies to do it alone.

They want companies and government to share responsibility.

More people want government to restrict AI than to promote it.

So the state has a clear role in this debate.

And the poll did not split neatly by age or politics.

What was the biggest divide then?

The biggest divide was about jobs.

People who think AI will take jobs are more negative overall.

Others are a little more hopeful.

But even then, many still think AI will reduce jobs.

So the job question sits at the center of the debate.

Ella, thanks.

Let’s look at three useful words from story one.

deal

A deal is an agreement between two sides. In the story, Mbappé signed a new deal with On.

We made a deal to meet after work.

renew

To renew means to make an agreement continue. In the story, Nike chose not to renew its deal.

The shop renewed my phone plan for one more year.

sign

To sign means to write your name on an agreement. In the story, Mbappé signed a new deal.

Please sign here before you leave.

Has made

We use the present perfect for a past action with a result now. It uses has or have with the past participle.

Mbappé has made a big change in sport and business.

The company has changed its plans this year.

Repeat after me: has made