Nike, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports, was founded by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in January 1964. The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS), making most sales at track meets out of Knight's automobile.
One of the world's largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel, the brand alone is valued at $10.7 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses.
Nike sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with the highly recognised trademarks of "Just Do It" and the Swoosh logo.
Source: Wikipedia