Established as "Blue Ribbon Sports" by University of Oregon track athlete Phil Knight and his coach, Bill Bowerman, on January 25, 1964.[1] The company initially operated in Eugene, Oregon as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger, making most sales at track meets out of Knight's automobile.[1] In its first year in business, BRS sold 1,300 pairs of Japanese running shoes grossing $8,000.[citation needed] By 1965, sales had reached $20,000. In 1966, BRS opened its first retail store at 3107 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, California. In 1967, due to increasing sales, BRS expanded retail and distribution operations on the East Coast, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.[2]
Nike enters the ice hockey market after acquiring Canstar, the parent company of hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey. Nike had only made hockey jerseys, specifically those of the Edmonton Oilers at the height of Wayne Gretzky-mania, but now began to make all equipment.
Nike moves into English football, signing a kit (uniform/apparel) deal with Arsenal.
Nike signs Tiger Woods soon after he gives up his amateur golf status.
Nike causes controversy with its advertising campaign during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta which features the slogan, "You Don't Win Silver — You Lose Gold." Nike's use of this slogan draws harsh criticism from many sources, including - not surprisingly - several former Olympic silver and bronze medalists.
Niketown Los Angeles opens in Beverly Hills.
1997
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. Fedorov especially became known for his unique "all-white" Nike skates, which were radically different from the normally black standard hockey skates. Although Wayne Gretzky would eventually wear the all-white Nike skates in his final season, Nike decided to make more traditional skates for their next product line.
1998
Phil Knight commits Nike to standards for its affiliated manufacturing facilities, including: minimum wage; air quality; education programs; expansion of microloan program; factory monitoring; and enhanced transparency of Nike's corporate social responsibility practices.
Nike Introduces the first "tennis shoe" style golf shoe into the market. The trend of comfortable golf shoes starts.
Introduction of the first Nike golf balls.
1999
Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, dies on Dec. 24 at age 88.
Phil Knight steps down as the CEO and President of Nike, but continues as chairman. Knight is replaced by William D. Perez as CEO of Nike, effective Dec. 28.
Nike creates the Exeter Brands Group, a wholly owned subsidiary for athletic footwear and apparel brands for lower price points. Brands include Starter, Team Starter, Asphalt, Shaq, and Dunkman.
Annual revenues exceed $12.25 billion
2005
Nike reports annual revenue for fiscal year 2005 (ending May 31) of $13.74 billion, a 12% increase over the previous fiscal year.
Nike enters the cricket market with a 5-year sponsorship of the Indian cricket team for US$43m.
CEO William Perez leaves Nike on January 23, 2006. Perez said in the statement that he and Knight "weren't entirely aligned on some aspects of how to best lead the company's long-term growth. It became obvious to me that the long-term interests of the company would be best served by my resignation."
Mark Parker replaces Perez as CEO. Parker had been brand co-president of the company, and joined Nike in 1979.
Nike and Apple release the Nike+iPod sports kit, enabling runners to log and monitor their runs via iTunes and the Nike+ website.
Nike reports annual revenue for fiscal year 2006 (ending May 31) of $15 billion.
2007
Nike introduces the Second Coming, a group of NBA basketball players who best represent the Nike Basketball.
Nike introduces AF25, after 25 years of Air Force shoe line.
2009
Nike sells its Nike Bauer hockey equipment division.
Nike introduces shoes featuring new Flywire and Lunarlite Foam materials. Flywire is a new technology made up of thin wires of vectran fibers, which are 5 times stronger than steel and never lose strength. Lunar Foam is a material developed by NASA that gives the shoe excellent shock absorption and a great feel with minimal weight.
Nike reports annual revenue for fiscal year 2008 (ending May 31) of $18.6 billion, a 14% increase over the previous fiscal year
2009
Dwyane Wade moves from one Nike subsidiary to another, switching from Converse to Jordan Brand.
The Vaporfly 4% running shoe was introduced, inspired by the Breaking2 attempt to break the 2-hour marathon barrier. This shoe main feature is a carbon fiber plate in the midsole for improved propulsion and energy return.[9]
