What was the original name of Nike before it was renamed in 1971?

Nike was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports before it was renamed in 1971.

Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded Blue Ribbon Sports on January 25, 1964. Knight, a former University of Oregon runner, and Bowerman, his coach, initially operated the business as a distributor for Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger, now associated with ASICS. Early sales were made at track meets and from Knight’s automobile.

The company began developing its own footwear as its relationship with Onitsuka Tiger deteriorated. In 1971, it adopted the Nike name, inspired by Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. That same year, graphic-design student Carolyn Davidson created the Swoosh logo, initially for a fee of $35. The corporate transition was completed as the business moved into its own branded footwear.

A common mix-up is treating Nike as the company’s original name from its founding. Nike dates to the early 1970s, but Blue Ribbon Sports covers the company’s first seven years. The name change marked the shift from importing another company’s shoes to building an independent global brand.