A series of Ni π-complexes are explored using a combination of spectroscopic and computational methods to reveal an intriguing contribution to backbonding: metal-mediated ligand-to-ligand backdonation. Such <i>ligand-induced backdonation</i> is the dominant contribution for weakly π-acidic ligands such alkenes and allows for strong bonding even though the metal centre retains a formal d¹⁰ electronic configuration.