-
The Beginning
Nike was founded in 1964, and was oringinally called Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman, and Phil Knight. -
Name-changer
The company changed its name to Nike, after the Greek Goddess of victory. -
First line of footwear.
The first line of Nike footwear is introduced, including the so-called "Moon Shoe" that features a waffle sole, which is distributed to athletes competing in the US Olympic Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon. -
Endorsement
Tennis "bad boy" John McEnroe is signed by Nike to an endorsement contract -
The Stocks Are High
Nike officially enters the stock market. -
Nike Air Force 1s
The Air Force 1 basketball shoe becomes the first Nike court shoe to make use of the Air technology. -
Michael Jordan #23
Nike signs Michael Jordan to an endorsement contract. The first model of his signature shoe, the Air Jordan, originally is banned by the NBA, drawing a tremendous amount of publicity. -
Slogan
Nike launches "Just Do It" slogan. The slogan was coined in 1988 at an advertising agency meeting. The founder of Wieden+Kennedy agency, Dan Wieden credits the inspiration for his "Just Do It" Nike slogan to Gary Gilmore's last words. -
Headquarters
Nike opens its world headquarters in unincorporated Washington County, just west of Portland, on 74 acres of land. -
Tiger Woods
Nike signs Tiger Woods soon after he gives up his amateur golf status -
Break The Ice
Nike signs several hockey stars, including Sergei Fedorov and Jeremy Roenick, to endorsement deals to wear their new line of skates, which are noticeably different due to their unique colors and design -
Bill Bowerman
Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, dies on Dec. 24 at age 88. -
Hurley
Nike purchases Hurley International, an action sports clothing company, for an undisclosed amount. -
Cricket
Nike enters the cricket market with a 5-year sponsorship of the Indian cricket team for US$43m. -
Lebron James
Nike's endorsement deal with Lebron James becomes a contract for life.
