John Donahoe, former CEO of Nike, has been named the new athletic director at Stanford University. He will begin his tenure on September 8, stepping into a role that has seen only a handful of occupants in the university’s history. Donahoe replaces Bernard Muir, who served in the position for 13 years.
A Stanford alumnus with an MBA from the university, Donahoe brings an extensive business background to the post, having led companies such as eBay, ServiceNow, and PayPal in addition to Nike. His appointment signals a shift toward a more corporate-style approach to collegiate athletics leadership, at a time when college sports programs face mounting financial pressures and legal uncertainty surrounding name, image, and likeness compensation, as well as potential revenue sharing for student-athletes.
Stanford, traditionally known for its athletic breadth and Olympic sports success, is also undergoing a conference realignment as it prepares to move into the Atlantic Coast Conference. The transition presents both logistical and competitive challenges, especially for the football and men’s basketball programs, which have struggled in recent years.
Donahoe’s leadership will focus on building a long-term sustainable model for Stanford Athletics, which sponsors 36 varsity sports and boasts more NCAA team championships than any other university. He has expressed a desire to support student-athletes academically and competitively, while also reimagining how the athletic department partners with donors, sponsors, and alumni in an increasingly commercial collegiate landscape.
His appointment reflects Stanford’s aim to adapt to the evolving nature of college sports while preserving the institution’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
