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Blue Ribbon Sports is Founded
Blue Ribbon Sports is founded by Phil Knights and Oregon T&F coach Bill Bowerman -
Blue Ribbon Sports Cuts Ties with Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka TIger was Blue Ribbon Sport's original supplier of athletic sneakers. As Blue Ribbon Sports moved towards creating their own shoes, they decided to cut ties with Onitsuka Tiger. -
Blue Ribbon Sports Becomes Nike
This was when the iconic name and swoosh became part of this world. Nike is named after the Goddess of victory.
The swoosh logo was created by a Portland State University student named Carolyn Davis. -
Nike Signs its First Athlete: Ilie Nastase
This was Nike's first ever endorsement -
Nike Creates Air Technology
This is important as Nike Air is one of Nike's most successful and iconic technologies to date -
Nike's IPO
Nike went public on this day. Their success on the stock market was a direct reflection on the value of their brand. -
Nike Signs Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan was and arguably still is Nike's most iconic sponsored athletes. He has one of the most famous brands of all time in Jordan -
Just Do It
This was the first instance of Nike's famous slogan: Just Do It -
Nike Acquires Hurley
This was Nike's first major purchase to diversify their stance in the apparel industry. -
Nike Signs LeBron and Kobe
Once again, Nike was able to sign two of the most iconic basketball players in NBA history. This signaled a new era in Nike sponsored basketball players after Jordan. -
Nike Buys Converse
Nike's purchase of Converse was significant in it's success. This move increased Nike's market share and diversified their portfolio. -
Nike signs with the NFL
This was the year that Nike became the NFL's exclusive supplier of apparel and jerseys.
This signified Nike's dominance in the sportswear industry. -
Nike Signs with the NBA
This was Nike's second major signing with a sports league. While not as big as the NFL, the NBA is quickly growing and gave Nike a window to a large consumer base.
