Nike Owner Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Phil Knight, the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, began his career in the unlikeliest of places for a future sports mogul: an accounting firm. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, Knight went on to earn an MBA from Stanford University. It was during his time at Stanford that he first began to envision a business that would revolutionize the athletic shoe industry. He wrote a paper titled “Can Japanese Sports Shoes Do to German Shoemakers What Japanese Cameras Did to American Camera Manufacturers?” which would eventually become the blueprint for Nike.

In 1964, Knight took his first bold step towards his entrepreneurial dream by traveling to Japan to meet with Onitsuka Tiger, a company that would later become ASICS. He persuaded them to give him the rights to sell their shoes in the United States, and thus, Blue Ribbon Sports, the precursor to Nike, was born. Knight returned to the U.S. and began selling Onitsuka Tiger shoes out of the trunk of his car, marking the humble beginning of what would become one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Nike Owner’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Phil Knight, the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, has an estimated net worth of $50 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest people in the world. Knight founded Nike in 1964 and served as its CEO until 2004, playing a pivotal role in transforming it into a global sportswear giant.

Career

Phil Knight’s career spans over five decades in the footwear industry. He co-founded Nike, then known as Blue Ribbon Sports, in 1964 with his former track coach, Bill Bowerman. Knight served as Nike’s CEO from 1964 to 2004, overseeing its transformation from a small startup into a multinational corporation. He stepped down as chairman in 2016 but remains on Nike’s board of directors.

Other Ventures

In addition to Nike, Phil Knight has been involved in various other ventures. He has invested in several startups, including the ride-sharing company Uber. Knight is also a philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various causes, including the University of Oregon, where he graduated. He has also written a memoir, “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” which was published in 2016.

Assets

Phil Knight’s assets are primarily tied to his stake in Nike. As of 2025, he owns approximately 12% of the company’s outstanding shares. He also has investments in other companies and real estate. Knight’s Oregon estate, known as La Quinta, is valued at around $150 million. Additionally, he has a collection of rare cars, including a 1965 Shelby Cobra and a 1966 Ford GT40.

Annual Income

Phil Knight’s annual income is primarily derived from his stake in Nike. In 2024, his dividends from Nike alone were estimated to be around $200 million. However, his exact annual income can vary depending on the company’s performance and other factors. As a board member, Knight also receives an annual retainer from Nike, although the exact amount is not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Nike Owner

Frequently Asked Questions: Nike Owner Net Worth

1. Who is the owner of Nike?

The owner of Nike is Phil Knight. He co-founded the company in 1964 with Bill Bowerman.

2. What is Phil Knight’s net worth?

Phil Knight’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 billion.

3. How did Phil Knight become the owner of Nike?

Phil Knight became the owner of Nike after co-founding the company with Bill Bowerman in 1964. They started the company with a $500 investment from Knight’s father.

4. What was Phil Knight’s role at Nike?

Phil Knight served as the CEO of Nike from 1964 to 2004. He then served as the chairman of the board until 2016.

5. What is the current CEO of Nike?

The current CEO of Nike is John Donahoe.

6. How much of Nike is owned by Phil Knight?

As of 2021, Phil Knight owns approximately 12% of Nike’s shares.

7. What is the total market capitalization of Nike?

The total market capitalization of Nike is over $200 billion.

8. How has Phil Knight’s net worth changed over time?

Phil Knight’s net worth has grown significantly over the years due to the success of Nike. In 2019, his net worth was estimated to be around $35 billion.

9. What other investments does Phil Knight have besides Nike?

Phil Knight has invested in various other companies and projects, including Columbia Sportswear and the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

10. What is Phil Knight’s philanthropic work like?

Phil Knight has been involved in various philanthropic works, including donating $1 billion to Stanford University for cancer research and establishing the Knight Cancer Institute.