Phil Knight
USA
Net Worth
$64B
Source of Wealth
Nike
Global Rank
#25 of 100
About Phil Knight
Phil Knight is the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, the world's largest and most iconic athletic footwear and apparel company. What began in 1964 as a small partnership called Blue Ribbon Sports — with Knight selling Japanese running shoes out of the trunk of his car at track meets — has grown into a global brand valued at over $100 billion. Knight's combination of entrepreneurial hustle, marketing genius, and authentic passion for athletics built Nike into one of the most recognized and beloved brands on Earth.
Knight's genius was in understanding that athletic shoes were not just functional products but powerful vehicles for aspiration, identity, and culture. His partnership with legendary University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman created innovative products (including the famous waffle sole), while his marketing vision — exemplified by the iconic Swoosh logo and the "Just Do It" campaign — transcended sports to become part of global popular culture. The signing of Michael Jordan in 1984 and the creation of the Air Jordan brand proved to be perhaps the most successful athlete endorsement in business history.
A graduate of the University of Oregon and Stanford Business School, Knight has been extraordinarily generous to both institutions. His $500 million gift to Stanford is one of the largest in the history of higher education, and his donations to the University of Oregon have funded state-of-the-art athletic facilities, scholarships, and academic programs. His memoir "Shoe Dog" became a bestselling book celebrated for its honest, inspiring account of entrepreneurship. Knight's legacy extends far beyond business — he helped create an entire culture of athletic aspiration that has inspired millions of people to pursue excellence in sport and in life.
Key Achievements
Built Nike into a Global Icon
Co-founded Nike and grew it from a car-trunk business into the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company with over $50 billion in annual revenue.
Revolutionized Sports Marketing
Pioneered the athlete endorsement model, signing Michael Jordan and creating Air Jordan — the most successful athlete-brand partnership in history — and launching the iconic 'Just Do It' campaign.
Created a Cultural Movement
Transformed athletic footwear from functional gear into a cultural phenomenon, with Nike becoming one of the most recognized and admired brands in the world across every demographic.
Bestselling Author
Wrote 'Shoe Dog,' a memoir of Nike's founding that became a New York Times bestseller and is widely considered one of the greatest business books ever written.
Transformative Philanthropy
Donated over $2 billion to education, including a $500 million gift to Stanford and hundreds of millions to the University of Oregon, transforming both institutions.
Notable Quotes
“The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.”
— Phil Knight
“There is an immutable conflict at work in life and in business, a constant battle between peace and chaos. Neither can be mastered, but both can be influenced.”
— Phil Knight
“Let everyone else call your idea crazy... just keep going. Don't stop. Don't even think about stopping until you get there.”
— Phil Knight
Key Decisions
Co-founded Blue Ribbon Sports with Bill Bowerman, importing and selling Onitsuka Tiger running shoes from Japan — the humble beginning of what would become Nike.
Launched the Nike brand with its own line of shoes featuring the Swoosh logo, designed by Carolyn Davidson for just $35, one of the most iconic logos in history.
Signed rookie Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal and created the Air Jordan line, a partnership that revolutionized sports marketing and generated billions in revenue.
Launched the 'Just Do It' advertising campaign, which became one of the most recognized slogans in the world and defined Nike's brand identity for generations.
Published 'Shoe Dog,' his memoir of founding Nike, which became a bestselling book and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs with its honest account of the struggles and triumphs of building a business.
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