After reportedly parting ways with longtime partner Puma, Rihanna has recently been spotted wearing Nike, instantly sparking fresh partnership speculation across the fashion world. Reports claim the two sides quietly chose not to renew their three-year contract, and Rihanna’s recent string of Nike appearances has only intensified questions about what major move could be coming next.

Following the noticeable shift in her streetwear choices, Rihanna was recently spotted wearing Nike sneakers during a street-style outing in New York City on May 17, 2026. The singer paired her look with the Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoes SP in the “Soft Pearl and Sail” colourway, one of Nike’s most fashion-forward collaborations in recent years. With its sleek and minimalist aesthetic closely matching Rihanna’s signature luxury streetwear style, the appearance instantly fuelled even more speculation around a possible Nike partnership.

However, the situation becomes even more interesting because A$AP Rocky still actively collaborates with Puma through the Mostro line while being in a relationship with Rihanna. Whether that could complicate any potential Nike discussions remains unclear for now, but it has wide open speculation doors.

Amid all the Nike speculation, Rihanna continues dominating both fashion and business headlines. In April 2026, she made history as the first woman of colour to receive the prestigious Edison Achievement Award for reshaping global culture through brands like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, alongside her philanthropic work through the Clara Lionel Foundation. Meanwhile, the singer has also secured a nomination for the BET Awards’ first-ever Fashion Vanguard Award, where she will compete alongside style icons including Zendaya, Beyoncé, Teyana Taylor, and A$AP Rocky.

Puma, however, was only one chapter of Rihanna’s empire, as the singer has long transformed herself into one of the biggest multi-hyphenate via ventures like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.

Rihanna’s billion-dollar business empire

Rihanna completely changed the beauty industry the moment she launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 alongside luxury powerhouse LVMH. Arriving with a groundbreaking 40-shade foundation range, the brand instantly shattered long-criticised beauty standards while turning inclusivity into the industry’s new obsession. The impact became historic almost overnight, with Fenty Beauty crossing $100 million in sales within just 40 days before eventually growing into a near-$2.8 billion empire that cemented Rihanna as one of the world’s most successful self-made billionaire artists.

Partnering with LVMH also allowed Fenty Beauty to launch simultaneously across 1,600 stores in 17 countries, giving the brand immediate global dominance from day one. Meanwhile, amid all her fashion and business success, Rihanna’s long-awaited ninth studio album, popularly dubbed 'R9' by fans, is also officially back in production. In February 2026, Rihanna also posted an 80-second Instagram reel from the studio, finally confirming to fans that she is actively recording new music, although the official release date still remains under wraps.

And now, with Rihanna’s Puma chapter seemingly closed, every new Nike appearance is only pushing the internet deeper into speculation about what fashion move could arrive next.

Do you think Rihanna could officially partner with Nike after her Puma split? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui