If you’re a fan of Nike’s iconic swoosh logo, you may be surprised to learn that the brand wasn’t always known as Nike. In fact, the sportswear giant had a different name when it was founded back in 1964. But what was Nike originally called? That’s what we’re here to explore in today’s article. Read on to learn the interesting origins of one of the world’s most well-known brands.
Answer: Nike was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) when it was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. In 1971, the company officially changed its name to Nike, and the iconic “swoosh” logo was designed the same year.
What Was Nike Originally Called?
Nike, the iconic brand known for its “Just Do It” slogan and famous swoosh logo, wasn’t always known by its current name. Before its rebranding in 1978, the company was known as Blue Ribbon Sports.
Blue Ribbon Sports
Blue Ribbon Sports was founded in 1964 by University of Oregon track athlete Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman. The two men started the company as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese shoe company. The two men began selling Tiger shoes out of Knight’s car at track meets and soon opened their first retail store in Santa Monica, California.
Adoption of the Nike Name
In 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports began producing their own line of shoes under the name Nike—named after the Greek goddess of victory. It wasn’t until 1978 that the company officially changed its name to Nike, Inc., and adopted the now-famous swoosh logo.
Nike’s Expansion
Since the adoption of the Nike name and logo, the company has grown exponentially. It has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world and has expanded its product line to include apparel and sports equipment. Nike now employs over 74,000 people in more than 170 countries around the world.
Nike’s Legacy
Today, Nike is known for its iconic swoosh logo and its inspirational “Just Do It” slogan. But its roots are in Blue Ribbon Sports, the small shoe distributor founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. Despite its humble beginnings, Nike has become one of the most successful companies in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was Nike Originally Called?
Answer: Nike was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). BRS was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. BRS initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger (now Asics). In 1971, BRS changed its name to Nike after the Greek goddess of victory. The company’s iconic “swoosh” logo was designed by a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson in 1971. The logo was inspired by the wing of the goddess Nike. The logo was initially purchased for $35.
Nike has come a long way since its humble beginnings as “Blue Ribbon Sports” in 1964. What started out as a small shoe distributor has now become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Over the years, Nike has grown and adapted to meet the needs of its customers, staying at the forefront of sports apparel and footwear innovation. From its stylish designs to its iconic swoosh logo, Nike is a testament to how a little determination and hard work can turn a small business into an international powerhouse.
