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Photo of Phil Knight

Phil Knight

One of the most influential and significant businessmen in the game of basketball, Phil Knight is the co-founder, former CEO, and current Chairman of the Board of Directors of NIKE, Inc. Knight built a company from the ground up that is widely credited with expanding the game of basketball around the world through its innovative products and influential marketing. His visionary leadership merged top-flight sports and popular culture by developing elite footwear, apparel, and equipment built on performance, innovation, and emotion. Nike was the first sports brand to incorporate top athletes to connect with consumers emotionally, landing the most significant sports personality of all time in Michael Jordan. The 1985 debut of the Air Jordan basketball sneaker changed the athletic footwear and apparel industry for good. Nike later signed Sheryl Swoopes as the first woman to have her own signature shoe, supported the game in places like China, and strengthened collegiate athletics by providing resources to grow, maximize, and enhance the student-athlete experience on campuses across the country.

Enshrined

2012

Born

February 24, 1938 Portland, OR

Contributor Stats

1993 Named MOST POWERFUL MAN IN SPORTS BY THE SPORTING NEWS
1982 received
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
PIONEER AWARD
1997 Named ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP MANAGERS, 1997 BUSINESS WEEKLY
CREDITED WITH EXPANDING THE
THE GAME OF BASKETBALL
AROUND THE WORLD
1962 co-founded nike
originallynamed
blue ribbon sports
1985 DEBUT OF THE
AIR JORDAN SNEAKER