Phil Knight, the man behind Nike, was not always the iconic figure he is today. Born in 1938, Knight grew up in Oregon, where he developed a passion for track and field, eventually running for the University of Oregon. It was during his time as a student that Knight first had the idea for what would become Nike. In the early 1960s, Knight traveled to Japan, where he discovered a shoe manufacturing company willing to produce shoes for his new business venture at a fraction of the cost of American manufacturers. With a $50 loan from his father and a partnership with his former track coach, Bill Bowerman, Knight launched Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, the precursor to Nike.

Phil Knight’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Phil Knight’s net worth is estimated to be around $44 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Career

Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, Inc., has had a remarkable career. He started the company in 1964 with his former track and field coach, Bill Bowerman. Knight served as the company’s CEO from 1964 to 2004 and chairman until 2015. Under his leadership, Nike grew from a small startup to a global athletic footwear and apparel giant.

Other Ventures

In addition to Nike, Knight has been involved in various other ventures. He has invested in numerous startup companies, including Jet.com and Stance. He also co-founded the Knight Management Fund, a private investment fund focused on early-stage companies. Furthermore, Knight has been a generous philanthropist, donating millions to education and healthcare initiatives.

Assets

Phil Knight’s assets are primarily tied to his Nike holdings. As of 2025, he owns approximately 12% of Nike’s Class A shares, which are worth around $15 billion. He also has significant real estate holdings, including a sprawling estate in Oregon and a penthouse in New York City.

Annual Income

Phil Knight’s annual income varies significantly from year to year, largely depending on Nike’s stock performance. In recent years, his annual income has been estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. However, it’s important to note that a significant portion of his wealth is tied up in his Nike shares, which may not generate substantial annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Phil Knight Before Jordan

**Frequently Asked Questions**

1. Who is Phil Knight?

Phil Knight is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the co-founder and former chairman of Nike, Inc.

2. When was Phil Knight born?

Phil Knight was born on February 24, 1938.

3. What is Phil Knight’s net worth?

As of the latest estimates, Phil Knight’s net worth is approximately $47 billion.

4. How did Phil Knight become wealthy?

Phil Knight became wealthy by co-founding Nike, Inc. in 1964. He served as the company’s chairman until 2016.

5. What is the Swoosh logo worth?

The Swoosh logo, designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971, is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Its value is estimated to be around $26 billion.

6. Did Phil Knight play basketball at the University of Oregon?

Yes, Phil Knight was a middle-distance runner, not a basketball player, at the University of Oregon. He was a member of the track and field team.

7. What is the name of Phil Knight’s memoir?

Phil Knight’s memoir is titled “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike”. It was published in 2016.

8. How much did Phil Knight donate to his alma mater, the University of Oregon?

Phil Knight has donated over $500 million to the University of Oregon, including a $100 million gift in 2014.

9. What is the Knight Management Center at Stanford University?

The Knight Management Center is the home of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. It was named in honor of Phil Knight’s philanthropic contributions to Stanford University.

10. What is the connection between Phil Knight and Michael Jordan?

Phil Knight, as the co-founder of Nike, played a significant role in signing Michael Jordan to a lucrative endorsement deal in 1984. This partnership helped to popularize the Nike brand and the Air Jordan sneaker line.