Nike Philip H. Knight Campus Renaming Signals New Era of Innovation and Tribute to Phil Knight

Nike Philip H. Knight Campus,  formerly known as Nike’s World Headquarters, marks a historic tribute to co-founder Phil Knight and a new chapter of innovation in Beaverton, Oregon. The 400-acre campus, now honoring co-founder Phil Knight, stands as a global symbol of sport, innovation, and design excellence. Announced by CEO Elliott Hill, this transformation pays tribute to the visionary who built Nike into a worldwide powerhouse.

A Tribute to Legacy, Vision & Inspiration

For more than 35 years, Nike’s Beaverton property has served as the brand’s creative and operational heart,  fueling its mission “to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.” The renaming to the Philip H. Knight Campus reflects more than a symbolic change; it’s both a living tribute and an ongoing reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives every Nike employee.

“This is more than a name change,” Hill told employees in an internal announcement. “It’s a tribute to the man whose vision created a global movement  , and a reminder to everyone who walks these paths of what can happen when belief meets action.”

According to a company press release, the renaming coincides with Hill’s first anniversary as CEO ,  a fitting tribute to Nike’s past and its forward‑looking momentum heading into a new era of innovation and growth.

Honoring the Man Behind the Swoosh

Phil Knight co‑founded Nike (thenBlue Ribbon Sports) in 1964 alongside track coach Bill Bowerman ,  his former mentor at the University of Oregon. What began as a car‑trunk operation distributing Japanese running shoes grew into one of the most valuable brands in the world , valued today at over$150 billion.

Knight’s relentless focus on athlete performance and his belief in empowering creative minds built Nike’s foundation. As Hill noted, the PHK Campus will “celebrate his restless, bold, and forever believing spirit that defined Nike’s DNA.”

Inside the Nike Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton

Today, the Philip H. Knight Campus operates as one of the world’s most advanced corporate facilities, spanningmore than 40 buildingsover 400 acres.

Key centers within the campus include:

• LeBron James Innovation Center (2021),  home to the state‑of‑the‑art Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL).

• Serena Williams Building (2022),  Nike’s largest investment to date in creativity and design , spanning over 1 million square feet.

These facilities reflect Nike’s commitment to enhancing athletic performance through science and design, while honoring the athletes and innovators who embody its mission. It also includes:

• European HQ in Hilversum, Netherlands(opened 1999)

• Greater China HQ in Shanghai(established 2013)

• Converse World Headquarters in Boston(launched 2015)

Honoring Phil Knight’s Enduring Legacy

Phil Knight’s impact reaches far beyond Beaverton. His philanthropic efforts ,  including multi‑billion‑dollar donations to the University of Oregon and Stanford University ,  reflect his unwavering belief in the power of education, athletics, and innovation.

The renaming of Nike’s campus cements his legacy as one of modern business’s great visionaries , a man whose philosophy of “if you have a body, you are an athlete” reshaped sports and culture forever.

Nike’s Founder’s Mentality for the Future

Hill stressed that renaming the campus is as much about the future as it is about honoring the past.

“Phil’s founder’s mentality ,  his boldness, creativity, and belief in people ,  continue to define us. Every Nike employee is part of that legacy,” Hill said via Instagram .

The renaming comes at a time of renewed momentum for Nike, which recently reported strong quarterly earningsand a sustained focus on innovation despite economic headwinds.