Which tennis player became Nike’s first professional athlete sponsor in 1972?

Ilie Năstase became Nike’s first professional athlete sponsor in 1972.

The Romanian tennis star was known for his expressive personality and success on the international tennis circuit. Nike’s relationship with Năstase helped the young sportswear company move beyond supplying athletic shoes and clothing to building a recognizable athlete-centered brand.

Nike began as Blue Ribbon Sports, distributing Japanese running shoes before developing products under its own name. Sponsorships became an important part of its marketing strategy, linking Nike products with prominent athletes and competitive performance. Năstase’s deal came before Nike’s later, much larger partnerships with athletes such as Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson.

A common mix-up is confusing Nike’s first professional athlete sponsor with its early connection to runner Steve Prefontaine. Prefontaine was a major Nike figure and helped promote the company’s running products, but Năstase is generally identified as Nike’s first professional athlete endorsement.