Phil Knight, the owner of Nike, began his entrepreneurial journey in the late 1950s while studying at the University of Oregon. He was passionate about track and field, which led him to write a paper on the Japanese shoe company, Onitsuka Tiger, for one of his classes. This paper sparked an idea that would eventually revolutionize the sports industry.

After graduating, Knight traveled to Japan in 1962 to meet with Onitsuka Tiger and propose a partnership. He returned to the U.S. with samples of their shoes, which he sold out of the trunk of his car to local track coaches. In 1964, Knight co-founded Blue Ribbon Sports with his former track coach, Bill Bowerman, and became the exclusive distributor of Onitsuka Tiger shoes in the U.S. This marked the beginning of Knight’s rise to fame and the eventual creation of Nike.

Phil Knight’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, has an estimated net worth of approximately $45 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Career

Phil Knight’s career began in 1962 when he founded Blue Ribbon Sports, which would later become Nike. He started the company with his former track and field coach, Bill Bowerman. Knight served as the CEO of Nike from 1964 to 2004, and as the chairman until 2016.

Other Ventures

In addition to Nike, Knight has also invested in other ventures. He is a minority owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, an NBA team. He has also made investments in various startups and has been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University.

Assets

Phil Knight’s assets include a significant stake in Nike, as well as real estate. He owns a 27,000-acre ranch in Oregon, a vineyard in Oregon, and a home in Oregon. He also owns a home in Florida. His art collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Annual Income

As of 2025, Phil Knight’s annual income is estimated to be around $1 billion. This is primarily due to his stake in Nike, which generates billions in revenue each year. His annual income can fluctuate based on the company’s performance and changes in his Nike holdings.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Owner Of Nike

Frequently Asked Questions: Owner of Nike Net Worth

1. Who is the owner of Nike?

The owner of Nike is Phil Knight, who co-founded the company in 1964. He served as the company’s CEO until 2004 and has since remained on the board of directors.

2. What is the net worth of the owner of Nike?

Phil Knight’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 billion.

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

Phil Knight co-founded Nike, then known as Blue Ribbon Sports, in 1964 with his former track coach, Bill Bowerman. They started the company with a $500 investment and began importing Japanese running shoes.

4. What was Phil Knight’s role at Nike before becoming the owner?

Before becoming the owner, Phil Knight served as the CEO of Nike from 1964 until 2004. He also held the position of chairman until 2016.

5. Who is the current CEO of Nike?

The current CEO of Nike is John Donahoe, who succeeded Mark Parker in 2020.

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

Phil Knight owns approximately 12% of Nike’s outstanding shares.

7. What is the market capitalization of Nike?

As of 2021, Nike’s market capitalization is around $230 billion.

8. How did Nike become a global brand?

Nike became a global brand through innovative marketing campaigns, such as the “Just Do It” slogan and endorsements by prominent athletes like Michael Jordan. The company also expanded its product line beyond footwear to include clothing and accessories.

9. What is the headquarters of Nike?

The headquarters of Nike is located in Beaverton, Oregon.

10. What is the annual revenue of Nike?

Nike’s annual revenue for the fiscal year 2021 was around $44.5 billion.