You’ve probably seen the interlocking "DC" logo on everything from puffy skate shoes in a 2000s music video to high-tech snowboard boots on a professional mountain run. But if you’re looking at the tag and wondering where the money actually goes these days, the answer is a bit more corporate than a couple of guys in a garage.
Who owns DC Shoes right now?
As of early 2026, the brand is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG).
💡 You might also like: Lone Star Dairy Products Canyon Texas: Why the Panhandle is the New Dairy Capital
If that name doesn't ring a bell, don't worry. They aren't a "shoe company" in the traditional sense. They are a massive brand management firm that specializes in buying legendary names that have hit a rough patch. They own Reebok, Quiksilver, Billabong, and even the rights to Elvis Presley.
Basically, they buy the "idea" and the "logo" of the brand, then hire other companies to actually make the stuff.
The Big Shakeup: From Boardriders to Authentic
For a long time, DC was part of a group called Boardriders, Inc. (which used to be known as Quiksilver). But things got messy. In late 2023, Authentic Brands Group finalized a deal to buy the entire Boardriders portfolio for about $1.25 billion.
This was a massive deal in the action sports world. It meant that DC, Roxy, Billabong, and Quiksilver were all now under the same roof as brands like Forever 21 and Brooks Brothers.
Kinda weird, right?
🔗 Read more: Hong Kong Martha Group: What Most People Get Wrong
But wait—there’s a twist. While Authentic owns the name, they don't actually sit around designing the shoes in-house. In January 2024, they signed a major licensing deal with BBC International.
Under this setup:
- Authentic Brands Group owns the trademarks and the intellectual property.
- BBC International handles the actual design, manufacturing, and distribution of DC footwear and snowboard boots.
If you go buy a pair of Court Graffiks today, BBC International is likely the company that made sure they got to the store.
How We Got Here: The Ken Block Era
To understand why the ownership of DC Shoes is such a big deal, you have to look at where it started. It wasn't always a corporate chess piece.
In 1994, Ken Block and Damon Way (brother of skate legend Danny Way) started the company in Vista, California. Before DC, they were messing around with brands like Eightball and Droors Clothing. Honestly, the "DC" originally stood for Droors Clothing, but that part of the history got pushed aside as the shoes became more famous than the clothes.
The brand exploded. They weren't just making sneakers; they were making "technologically advanced" skate shoes. They treated skaters like athletes. By the late 90s, they had a "Super Team" of pros that made the brand untouchable in the streets.
The Quiksilver Years
In 2004, at the height of the brand's power, Block and Way sold DC Shoes to Quiksilver for roughly $87 million.
It seemed like a dream match. The biggest surf brand in the world buying the biggest skate brand. Ken Block stayed on as Chief Brand Officer for a while, which helped keep the "soul" of the brand intact while they expanded into rally racing and the famous Gymkhana video series.
✨ Don't miss: USD to SAR Exchange Rate Today: Why the 3.75 Peg Still Matters
But Quiksilver struggled. They took on too much debt and eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015. After some restructuring and a name change to Boardriders, they were eventually ripe for the picking by Authentic Brands Group.
Does Ownership Change the Quality?
This is the part most skaters and fans care about. When a brand moves from a "skater-owned" setup to a "licensed-management" setup, people get nervous.
Honestly, it's a mixed bag.
Under the new 2026 landscape, DC is leaning heavily into its heritage. You’ll notice they are re-releasing a lot of OG styles like the Lynx and the Kalis. That’s because Authentic knows the "vintage" look is where the money is.
However, because the manufacturing is handled by a licensee (BBC International), the focus is often on high-volume retail. You'll see DC in more "mainstream" stores than you might have twenty years ago. The trade-off is that the brand stays alive, but it might not feel as "exclusive" as it did when it was just a few guys in Vista.
The Legacy of the Founders
It's worth noting that the original founders are no longer involved in the day-to-day operations.
- Ken Block: Sadly, the world lost Ken in a snowmobile accident in early 2023. His legacy lives on through the "Hoonigan" brand and the massive impact he had on DC’s marketing.
- Damon Way: He actually returned to the brand for a stint around 2016 to help get the creative direction back on track, but he has since moved on to other ventures like the brand FACT.
Real Talk: Is DC Still "DC"?
Ownership matters, but so does the team. DC still sponsors some of the best skaters and snowboarders in the world. As long as they have people like Josh Kalis on the roster, they maintain a bridge to the "real" skate world.
If you are looking for the "authentic" experience, stick to the DC Reserve line or the limited collaborations. These are usually handled with a bit more care than the basic models you find at a big-box sporting goods store.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans and Buyers
If you're worried about the corporate ownership affecting your gear, here is what you should do:
- Check the Lineage: Look for "Heritage" or "OG" releases if you want the original specs and durability.
- Follow the Pro Team: If the pro skaters start leaving in droves, that’s usually a sign that the ownership is cutting budgets. For now, the team is still solid.
- Support Local: Buy your DCs from a local skate shop rather than a massive online mall. The shops usually get the better, more "core" versions of the shoes anyway.
Knowing who owns DC Shoes doesn't change the way the shoes flip, but it does help you understand why the brand looks and feels the way it does in 2026. It's a survivor of the 90s skate boom that has successfully navigated the shark-infested waters of corporate mergers.