Nike timeline — BrandWiki

The following is a timeline of notable events in the history of Nike, Inc.

The 1960s

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. 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]

1971
Graphic designer Carolyn Davidson created the famous Nike 'Swoosh' logo and sold it to the company for US$35.00.[3]
Renamed from Blue Ribbon Sports, and debuted the waffle iron trainers invented by Bill Bowerman.[4]

1979
Nike manufactured its first uniforms for a professional sports team in 1979 when its jersey for the Portland Timbers of the North American Soccer League debuted.[5]

1982
Nike Introduced their most popular shoe, the Nike Air Force 1. It was also the first Nike Basketball shoe to Introduce Nike Air Technology. [6]
Ian Rush becomes the first soccer player sponsored by Nike.

1983
Nike introduces the Pegasus, the first edition of a successful line of running shoes that continues to this day. [7]
Nike also starts making clothing
Air Jordans were first introduced in 1984 exclusively for Michael Jordan. They were released to the public in April 1985.

The first Nike store opens in downtown Portland.
Nike opens its world headquarters in unincorporated Washington County, just west of Portland, on 74 acres (0.3 km2) of land.
1993
Nike introduces Reuse-A-Shoe, which collects athletic shoes,
Nike wins Advertiser of the Year at the Cannes Advertising Festival.
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.
1994
Paolo Maldini and Romário become some of the first players to wear Nike's boots at the FIFA World Cup during that year's edition

2000
Nike Shox cushioning/support system is introduced, initially worn by Vince Carter and others on the US Olympic basketball team.
2002
Nike purchases Hurley International, an action sports clothing company, for an undisclosed amount.
NikeGO launches, a grassroots initiative to increase physical activity among youths aged 9–15.
Nike become the apparel sponsor of Manchester United until 2010.
Nike SB, Nike's Skateboarding line, debuts.
Introduction of the first Nike golf clubs.
2003
Nike acquires once-bankrupt rival Converse for $305 million on July 9.
For the first time in the company's history, international sales exceed USA sales.
Nike is again (also in 1994) named "Advertiser of the Year" by the Cannes Advertising Festival.
Nike signs NBA

2012
Nike introduces Flyknit, a threading technology allowing lighter and more breathable shoe upper.[8]
2016
Nike exits the golf equipment market.
2017
Nike introduces the HyperAdapt 1.0 which were inspired from the Air Mags in the and designed by - Ndima Mbambalala Back to the Future Part II movie.
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]

2024
Nike signs a controversial kit deal with the German Football Association, marking the end of their 70 year partnership with Adidas.[10]
Nike introduces the Hyperboot, a shoe offering heat and air-compressed massages made in collaboration with athletic recovery company Hyperice.[11] The shoe was first tested by athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics and released in 2025.[12]