Early Life
Phil Knight was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 24, 1938. His father, William Knight, was a lawyer turned newspaper publisher. Knight grew up in Portland and attended Cleveland High School. He earned a business degree from the University of Oregon in 1959. During his time at the University of Oregon, he was a member of the track team.
Rise to Success
After graduating from the University of Oregon, Knight enrolled at Stanford Graduate School of Business. For a class, he wrote a paper about selling running shoes, which laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors. In 1964, Knight partnered with his former track coach, Bill Bowerman, to form Blue Ribbon Sports, which later became Nike. Knight made his first sales out of the trunk of his car at track meets. Nike's iconic "Swoosh" logo was designed by a graphic design student for $35.
Key Business Strategies
Knight's leadership was instrumental in Nike's growth. He focused on innovative product design, strategic athlete endorsements, and effective marketing. The endorsement of Michael Jordan and the creation of the Air Jordan line were pivotal in Nike's rise to global prominence. Nike's marketing campaigns, including the "Just Do It" slogan, further cemented its brand recognition and market dominance.
Philanthropy
Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, are known for their significant philanthropic contributions. They have donated billions of dollars to various causes, especially to Stanford University and the University of Oregon. In 2023, the Knights pledged $400 million to revitalize Portland's historically Black Albina neighborhood. In August 2025, the Knights pledged another $2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute.
