ADVERTISEMENT

Nike

American athletic corporation

Nike, Inc. is a major American supplier of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment. Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, it rebranded as Nike, Inc. in 1971. The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. Nike sponsors high-profile athletes and teams worldwide, with iconic trademarks like 'Just Do It' and the Swoosh logo. As of 2020, Nike employed 76,700 people globally and was valued at over $32 billion, ranking as the most valuable brand in sports businesses.

Related

Adidas Michael Jordan Hoka One One Under Armour New Balance Kobe Bryant Lululemon Phil Knight Nissan Zappos

Timeline

Founding of Nike

Nike was founded in 1964, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports. It later rebranded to Nike in 1971 and became one of the largest sports brands in the world.

Foundation of Nike, Inc.

Nike, Inc. was founded on January 25, 1964, as 'Blue Ribbon Sports' by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. It officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971.

Invention of Waffle Sole

In 1970, Bill Bowerman creates the first waffle sole by experimenting with pouring rubber into his wife's waffle iron. This innovation revolutionized running shoes.

Nike has successfully utilized meaningful graphics in its branding over the years, setting a benchmark for effective logo design and brand communication.

Official Naming of Nike, Inc.

On May 30, 1971, 'Blue Ribbon Sports' officially became Nike, Inc., taking its name from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

End of Relationship with Onitsuka Tiger

Tension between BRS and Onitsuka Tiger increased in 1971 as the latter attempted a takeover of BRS. In 1972, the relationship between BRS and Onitsuka Tiger came to an end, and BRS prepared to launch its own line of footwear.

Release of Nike Waffle Racer

Nike releases the Waffle Racer, featuring a sole inspired by Bill Bowerman's original waffle-like creation. It becomes the best-selling sneaker on the market, gaining immense popularity.

Hiring of First Advertising Agency

In 1976, the company hired John Brown and Partners, based in Seattle, as its first advertising agency. This marked a significant step in Nike's marketing and branding strategy.

Launch of Nike Tailwind

Nike releases the Tailwind, the first running shoe to include air pockets in its outsole, revolutionizing sports shoe history. It marks a significant advancement in athletic footwear.

Introduction of Nike Air Technology

Nike introduced the 'Air' technology with the launch of the Air Tailwind running shoe in 1979.

Nike Goes Public

By 1980, Nike had attained a 50% market share in the U.S. athletic shoe market, and the company went public in December of that year, marking a major milestone in its corporate history.

Release of Nike Air Force 1

Nike introduces the Air Force 1, the first basketball shoe to utilize air in the sole. It has since been reissued in various versions, becoming iconic in the world of sports footwear.

Signing of endorsement deal with Michael Jordan

In 1984, Phil Knight signed NBA rookie Michael Jordan to a lucrative endorsement deal, which would go on to revolutionize sports marketing and elevate Nike's status as an international powerhouse.

Launch of Nike SB

Nike SB, a specialized line of footwear and apparel designed for skateboarding, was launched by Nike in 1985. It has since become popular among skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts.

Air Max Sneaker Release

The Air Max sneaker was first released by Nike in 1987. It featured a visible air-cushioning unit and became a revolutionary design in the athletic footwear industry.

Reebok surpasses Nike's sales

In 1987, Reebok's sales exceeded those of Nike, signaling a shift in market leadership within the athletic shoe industry. This competition intensified the rivalry between the two brands.

Debut of Nike's 'Just Do It' slogan

In 1988, Nike introduced its iconic slogan 'Just Do It,' which became synonymous with the brand's ethos of determination and empowerment. This slogan played a key role in solidifying Nike's position in the market.

Launch of 'Just Do It' Campaign

Wieden+Kennedy, Nike's primary ad agency, created the first 'brand ad' for Nike, called 'There is no finish line', in which no Nike product was shown. In 1988, the now-famous slogan 'Just Do It' was launched, becoming one of the top five ad slogans of the 20th century.

Move to World Headquarters Campus

In 1990, Nike moved into its eight-building World Headquarters campus in Beaverton, Oregon, signifying a significant expansion and consolidation of its operations.

Release of Nike Air Huarache

Nike released the Air Huarache in 1991, which gained immense popularity among runners and transitioned into mainstream casual wear. The design, featuring neoprene inspired by wetsuits, contributed to its widespread appeal.

Nike's association with the 'Dream Team' at the Olympics

During the 1992 Olympics, members of the United States 'Dream Team' insisted on wearing Nike shoes while receiving their gold medals. This event underscored Nike's strong presence and influence in the world of sports and athletics.

Nike Partners with Brazilian and United States Soccer Teams

Nike signs long-term partnerships with the Brazilian and United States soccer teams, expanding its presence in the soccer market.

Nike's Controversial Advertising Campaign at Summer Olympics

Nike causes controversy with its advertising campaign during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, featuring the slogan, 'You Don't Win Silver — You Lose Gold,' which draws harsh criticism from many sources.

Nike Air Max 97 Unveiled

Nike unveiled the 'Nike Air Max 97,' which featured full-length visible air cushioning, marking a significant advancement in footwear technology.

Phil Knight commits Nike to manufacturing facility standards

In 1998, Phil Knight committed Nike to standards for its affiliated manufacturing facilities, covering aspects such as minimum wage, air quality, education programs, and factory monitoring. This move aimed to enhance transparency of Nike's corporate social responsibility practices.

Nike becomes a 10 billion dollar company

On November 18, 1999, Nike officially reached a milestone by becoming a 10 billion dollar company.

Death of Bill Bowerman

Bill Bowerman, the co-founder of Nike, passes away at the age of 88 on December 24th.

Nike Child Labor Allegations in Cambodia

A BBC documentary uncovered occurrences of child labor and poor working conditions in a Cambodian factory used by Nike, leading to further criticism and actions to curb the practice.

Nike Becomes Apparel Sponsor of Manchester United

Nike becomes the apparel sponsor of Manchester United in 2002, holding the sponsorship until 2010.

Nike Acquires Converse

Nike acquires once-bankrupt rival Converse for $305 million on July 9, 2003.

Nike introduces shoes with Flywire and Lunarlite Foam

Nike introduces shoes featuring new Flywire and Lunarlite Foam materials. Flywire is a new technology made up of thin wires of vectran fibers, which are 5 times stronger than steel and never lose strength. Lunar Foam is a material developed by NASA that gives the shoe excellent shock absorption and a great feel with minimal weight.

Nike signs endorsement deal with LeBron James

In 2010, Nike secured an endorsement agreement with basketball star LeBron James, leading to the launch of the LeBron James signature shoe line.

Water Pollution Impacting Yangtze River

In July 2011, environmental group Greenpeace published a report regarding water pollution impacting the Yangtze River emitted from a major textile factory operated by Nike supplier Youngor Group.

Nike's Dominance in Athletic-Apparel Industry

Nike, with $30 billion in annual revenue, has become the leading athletic-apparel brand globally. However, its journey to dominance was not easy.

Phil Knight Steps Down as Chairman

Phil Knight announced in mid-2015 that he would step down as chairman of Nike in 2016. He officially stepped down from all duties with the company on June 30, 2016, marking a major leadership transition.

Nike and Paradise Papers

The Paradise Papers revealed that Nike used offshore companies to avoid taxes, detailing how it transferred ownership of its Swoosh trademark to a Bermudan subsidiary to boost after-tax profits.

Sale of Nike Moon Shoes

A pair of Nike Inc. running shoes, known as the 'Moon Shoes' and designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, sold for $437,500 at a Sotheby's auction on July 23, 2019.

John Donahoe Becomes CEO

In October 2019, John Donahoe was announced as the next CEO of Nike, and he succeeded Parker on January 13, 2020, marking a significant change in the company's top leadership.

Nike's Total CO2e Emissions

Nike reported Total CO2e emissions (Direct + Indirect) for the twelve months ending 30 June 2020 at 317 Kt (+12/+4% y-o-y) and plans to reduce emissions 65% by 2030 from a 2015 base year.

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand Grantees Announcement

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand have announced the latest grantees in their fight against systemic racism, demonstrating their commitment to addressing this issue.

Launch of Dunk Genesis Cryptokicks Collection

After acquiring RTFKT, Nike launched the Dunk Genesis Cryptokicks collection, featuring over 20,000 NFTs, with one design by Takashi Murakami selling for $134,000 in April 2022.

End of the Timeline
Nike

Popular

Notre-Dame de Paris

Medieval Catholic cathedral in Paris

Irish War of Independence

Conflict between Irish nationalists and British forces

American retired Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner.

David Goggins

History of Elevators

Bank of America

American multinational investment bank

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT