Who Owns Nike?
Nike is owned by Nike, Inc., a publicly traded American multinational company founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1964. Nike trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker NKE and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, with annual revenues exceeding $46 billion as of fiscal year 2025. The brand operates as Nike, Inc.'s flagship product line, serving athletes and consumers across 190+ countries with innovative footwear, apparel, equipment, and digital fitness services.
Parent Company
Nike, Inc.
Founded
1964
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Who Owns Nike?
- Parent Company: Nike, Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: NKE
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | Nike, Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Nike
- Founded: 1964
- Founders: Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight
Nike was founded on January 25, 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight. The company initially operated as a distributor for the Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS), selling shoes out of the trunk of Knight's car at track meets and athletic events. Bowerman, who was constantly experimenting with shoe designs to improve his athletes' performance, famously used his wife's waffle iron to create a new sole pattern, leading to the innovative "Waffle Trainer" that became one of Nike's first breakthrough products and demonstrated the company's commitment to performance innovation.
In 1971, the company rebranded as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The iconic "swoosh" logo was designed by Portland State University graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for $35 in 1971. Knight later gave Davidson stock in the company and a diamond ring as additional compensation, recognizing the logo's eventual iconic status. Nike went public in 1980, raising capital to fuel its rapid expansion and establishing itself as a publicly traded company.
The brand's most transformative moment came in 1984 when Nike signed rookie basketball player Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal worth $2.5 million over five years, an unprecedented sum for athlete endorsements at the time. The Air Jordan line of sneakers became a cultural phenomenon, generating billions in revenue and establishing the template for modern athlete endorsement deals. The 1988 "Just Do It" advertising campaign, created by Wieden+Kennedy, became one of the most recognized slogans in advertising history and cemented Nike's position as the world's leading athletic brand.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Nike expanded through strategic acquisitions including Converse (2003 for approximately $305 million) and Hurley International (2002 for approximately $95 million), while developing innovations including Nike Air technology, Flyknit weaving, and Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric. The company faced significant scrutiny over labor practices in its overseas factories during the 1990s, leading to comprehensive reforms in supply chain oversight, transparency, and worker welfare standards that became industry benchmarks.
In the 2010s, Nike invested heavily in digital transformation, launching the SNKRS app for sneaker releases, Nike Training Club for digital fitness coaching, and expanding Nike.com as a direct-to-consumer channel. The company also launched the Move to Zero campaign in 2019, committing to zero carbon and zero waste in manufacturing. By 2026, direct-to-consumer sales accounted for approximately 40% of Nike's total revenue, representing a strategic shift toward closer consumer relationships and higher margins.
About Nike, Inc.
What does Nike own?
Nike owns a portfolio of three major brands: the core Nike brand serving performance athletics and mainstream consumers, Jordan Brand focused on basketball culture and streetwear, and Converse serving casual and vintage sneaker markets. The company operates across footwear, apparel, and equipment categories, serving both performance athletes and fashion-conscious consumers globally.
Is Nike publicly traded?
Yes, Nike, Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NKE. The company has been publicly traded since its initial public offering in December 1980, allowing investors to purchase shares and participate in the company's growth.
Who founded Nike?
Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight as Blue Ribbon Sports. The company was renamed Nike, Inc. in 1971, named after the Greek goddess of victory. Bowerman was a track and field coach while Knight was a middle-distance runner and business student.
Where is Nike headquartered?
Nike is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, where the company has maintained its global headquarters since its founding. The Beaverton campus houses executive leadership, major research facilities, and key business units supporting Nike's worldwide operations.
How many brands does Nike own?
Nike owns three major brands: Nike (core athletic brand), Jordan Brand (basketball and streetwear culture), and Converse (casual lifestyle and vintage sneakers). The company has also owned and sold several other brands historically, including Hurley, Cole Haan, Umbro, and Bauer Hockey.
Who owns Nike?
Nike is publicly owned with no controlling shareholder. Ownership is distributed among institutional investors like Vanguard Group and BlackRock, mutual funds, and individual shareholders worldwide. Co-founder Phil Knight remains involved as Chairman Emeritus and maintains significant ownership through Swoosh LLC.
What is Nike's revenue?
Nike reported annual revenue of approximately $51.4 billion for fiscal year 2025 (year ended May 2025). The company generates revenue through three primary segments: Nike Brand (approximately 90% of revenue), Jordan Brand (approximately 6%), and Converse (approximately 4%).
- Founded: 1964
- Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: NKE
- Revenue: approximately $51.4 billion (FY2025, year ended May 2025)
- Employees: Approximately 83,000
Where Is Nike Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Cambodia
Nike Sustainability & Ethics
Nike has committed to comprehensive sustainability initiatives through its Move to Zero campaign, targeting zero carbon and zero waste in manufacturing and operations by 2050, with interim targets including 50% carbon reduction by 2030. The company has incorporated recycled materials into approximately 45% of its footwear and 38% of its apparel as of 2025, with targets to increase these percentages to 50% and 50% respectively by 2027.
The company has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding labor practices in its supply chain, particularly regarding wages, working hours, and worker safety. Nike has implemented comprehensive labor standards through its Code of Conduct, requiring suppliers to meet specific wage, hour, and safety requirements. As of 2025, Nike reports that approximately 95% of its supplier factories meet its labor standards, though independent audits occasionally identify compliance issues.
Nike does not hold cruelty-free certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA, as the company manufactures products using animal-derived materials including leather, wool, and down. The company has committed to sourcing these materials responsibly and has published detailed supply chain transparency reports.
Awards & Recognition
Nike has received numerous industry awards and recognition for its design, innovation, and marketing excellence. The brand has won multiple Red Dot Design Awards for footwear and apparel innovation, and the Air Jordan line has been inducted into the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Nike's "Just Do It" campaign was recognized by Advertising Age as one of the top 10 advertising campaigns of the 20th century.
In 2024-2025, Nike received recognition from Fast Company as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies, and the brand was ranked among the top 10 most valuable apparel brands globally by Interbrand, with an estimated brand value exceeding $40 billion.
Nike Recalls & Controversies
Nike has faced several notable controversies and recalls throughout its history. In the 1990s, the company faced sustained criticism regarding labor practices in overseas factories, with investigative journalism revealing poor working conditions and below-subsistence wages. Nike responded with comprehensive reforms including wage increases, independent monitoring, and transparency initiatives that became industry benchmarks.
In 2021, Nike faced controversy regarding its use of Xinjiang cotton, with reports of forced labor in cotton production. Nike responded by ceasing purchases of Xinjiang cotton and implementing enhanced supply chain auditing. In 2023, Nike recalled approximately 1.3 million pairs of Air Max shoes due to sole separation issues, offering replacements or refunds to affected customers.
The company has also faced criticism regarding its environmental impact, particularly regarding plastic waste in manufacturing and packaging. Nike has responded with initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and increase use of recycled materials.
Brands Owned by Nike, Inc.
Nike Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Unparalleled global brand recognition and market leadership in athletic footwear and apparel, with approximately 10.2% of the worldwide athletic footwear market
- +Continuous innovation in performance technologies including Flyknit, Vaporfly, and React foam, supported by annual R&D spending exceeding $1.2 billion
- +Dominant athlete endorsement portfolio including partnerships with top athletes across basketball, running, soccer, and other sports, generating significant brand equity and marketing reach
- +Extensive global distribution network spanning 190+ countries with approximately 1,100 Nike-owned retail stores and partnerships with over 15,000 wholesale retailers
- +Strong direct-to-consumer capabilities through Nike.com and the SNKRS app, generating approximately $18.7 billion in annual revenue and enabling direct consumer relationships
Considerations
- -Intense competition from Adidas, Puma, and emerging brands including On Running and Hoka, with market share erosion in certain segments
- -Complex global supply chain spanning approximately 600 supplier factories, creating ongoing labor practice and environmental compliance challenges
- -Vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, as evidenced by pandemic-related manufacturing delays and logistics challenges in 2021-2023
- -Dependency on athlete endorsements and celebrity partnerships, creating reputational risk if endorsed athletes face controversies
- -Exposure to currency fluctuations, as approximately 60% of revenue is generated outside the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Nike
Sources & Further Reading
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
Nike on AmazonCompetitors to Nike
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deckers Brands | USA | 1978 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Adidas | Germany | 1949 | Premium | Global | Unisex | |
| Nike | USA | 1984 | Premium | Global | Unisex | |
| Catalyst Brands | USA | 1818 | Heritage premium-menswear | United states | Primarily-men | |
| Pvh | USA | 1968 | Premium | Global | Unisex | |
| Vf Corporation | USA | 1922 | Mass market | Global | Unisex |
Learn More About Competitors
UGG
Owned by Deckers Brands
American fashion company primarily known for its sheepskin boots, also selling apparel, accessories, and home textiles with a focus on comfort and casual style.
Adidas
Owned by adidas AG
German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories, known for its three-stripe logo.
Air Jordan
Owned by Nike, Inc.
American premium athletic footwear and apparel brand launched by Nike in 1984 in partnership with Michael Jordan, now operating as Jordan Brand.
Brooks Brothers
Owned by Catalyst Brands
American heritage clothing retailer founded in 1818, known for classic American menswear including the button-down collar shirt, sack suit, and preppy style. The oldest men's clothier in the United States.
Calvin Klein
Owned by Unknown Company
American luxury fashion brand founded in New York City in 1968, known for jeans, underwear, and fragrances. Owned by PVH Corp since 2003.
Dickies
Owned by VF Corporation
American workwear and apparel brand known for durable work clothing, uniforms, and casual wear, established in 1922.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Nike competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Nike, Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Nike, Inc.
Latest News About Nike
Related Articles About Nike
View more articles
15 Sports Brands and Who Really Owns Them
Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are independent. But many other sports brands you recognize are owned by larger corporations, private equity firms, or conglomerates. Here is who controls 15 major names in sport.
Sneaker Brand Ownership: Nike, Adidas, and Beyond
Who owns the biggest sneaker brands? From Nike's Jordan empire to Adidas' Yeezy fallout, explore the complete ownership map of the $131 billion global sneaker market.
Nike vs Adidas: Everything They Own
Nike and Adidas are the two largest sportswear companies in the world. But their brand portfolios, subsidiaries, and strategic bets look very different. Here is the complete ownership picture for 2026.
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Fashion & Apparel category and related searches from other users.
Adidas
German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories, known for its three-stripe logo.
Air Jordan
American premium athletic footwear and apparel brand launched by Nike in 1984 in partnership with Michael Jordan, now operating as Jordan Brand.
Alexander McQueen
British luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories, recognized for dramatic design, craftsmanship, and theatrical presentations.