Nike is one of the most famous sportswear brands in the world, known for its iconic “Swoosh” logo and tagline (slogan) “Just Do It.” People wear Nike shoes, clothes, and gear in more than 190 countries. But have you ever wondered — who actually owns Nike? Is it still controlled by its founders, or has it changed hands over time?
In this article, we’ll explain who owns Nike today, the company’s history, and who runs it now. You’ll also learn about its public status, leadership team, and some of the most asked questions on the internet.
Nike Ownership Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Public shareholders |
| Founder | Phil Knight & Bill Bowerman |
| CEO | John Donahoe |
| Parent Company | None |
| Headquarters | Beaverton, Oregon, USA |
Who is the Current Owner of Nike?
Nike is a publicly traded company, which means it is owned by millions of shareholders who buy its stock on the open market. The largest shareholders are investment firms like Vanguard Group and BlackRock, but no single person owns Nike entirely.
That said, Phil Knight, who co-founded Nike in 1964, remains a major shareholder and still plays a role through a family trust. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker NKE.
About the Owner
Since Nike is publicly owned, it doesn’t have one individual owner. However, Phil Knight is the closest thing to a founder-owner figure. He co-founded the company (originally called Blue Ribbon Sports) with Bill Bowerman, his track coach at the University of Oregon.
Phil Knight served as Nike’s CEO for many years and later as Chairman. As of 2025, he is retired from daily operations but still has influence through his voting shares. He’s also one of the richest people in the world, with most of his fortune coming from Nike stock.
Ownership Timeline or History of Nike
- 1964: Nike was founded as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman.
- 1971: The name was changed to Nike, Inc., named after the Greek goddess of victory.
- 1980: Nike went public and began trading on the stock market.
- 2004: Phil Knight stepped down as CEO but remained Chairman until 2016.
- Present: Nike is owned by public investors, but the Knight family trust still holds voting control through Class A shares.
Nike’s Current CEO and Leadership Team
The current CEO of Nike is John Donahoe, who took over the role in January 2020. He was previously the CEO of ServiceNow and eBay and brings strong technology and business experience to Nike.
Although Donahoe runs the company, Phil Knight’s family trust still holds about 97% of Class A voting stock, which gives them strong influence over big decisions, like board member elections.
Nike’s leadership team includes top executives for product development, marketing, global operations, and finance, making it one of the most professionally managed companies in the world.
Is Nike Privately or Publicly Owned?
Nike is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with the ticker NKE. It is not privately owned.
Major Shareholders (as of 2025):
- Vanguard Group (around 8% stake)
- BlackRock (around 7% stake)
- Phil Knight and family trust (holds most Class A shares)
The Knight trust doesn’t own the most shares overall, but it controls a majority of voting power due to Nike’s dual-class stock structure.
FAQs
Q: Who is the founder of Nike?
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman co-founded Nike in 1964.
Q: Does Phil Knight still own Nike?
Yes, Phil Knight still owns shares and has major voting power through a family trust.
Q: Who is the current CEO of Nike in 2025?
John Donahoe is the CEO of Nike as of 2025.
Q: Is Nike a private or public company?
Nike is a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Q: How much is Nike worth in 2025?
As of mid-2025, Nike’s market value is estimated to be over $150 billion.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns Nike? The simple answer is: Nike is owned by the public, with shares held by investors, mutual funds, and individuals. But Phil Knight, its co-founder, still holds strong influence through voting shares. With John Donahoe leading the company as CEO, Nike continues to grow as a global leader in athletic wear.
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