Phil Knight Biography: Philip Hampson Knight, born February 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports equipment and apparel. Previously, Knight served as Nike’s chairman and CEO. As of 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth to be $33 billion. Knight also owns the stop-motion film production company Laika and has made significant philanthropic contributions, donating over $2 billion to institutions such as the University of Oregon, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Oregon Health & Science University.
Phil Knight Biography
Phil Knight, born on February 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, USA, is a writer and producer, recognized for his work on Shoe Dog, The Big One (1997), and Bannister: Everest on the Track (2016). He has been married to Penelope Parks since September 13, 1968, and the couple has three children.
Phil Knight Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Philip Hampson Knight
February 24, 1938 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse |
Penny Parks
(m. 1968) |
| Children | 2, including Travis Knight |
| Father | William W. Knight |
| Category | Business Man Biography |
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About Phil Knight
Philip Hampson Knight is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist who is the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., a global sports equipment and apparel company. He was previously its chairman and CEO. As of January 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at $33 billion.
- Born: 24 February 1938 (age 87 years), Portland, Oregon, United States
- Net worth: 2,940 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Spouse: Penny Knight (m. 1968)
- Education: Stanford Graduate School of Business (1962) ·
- Children: Travis Knight, Christina Knight, Matthew Knight
Early Life and Education
Phil Knight was born to Bill Knight, a lawyer who later became a newspaper publisher, and Lota Cloy Knight. He grew up in the Eastmoreland neighborhood of Portland and attended Cleveland High School. A defining moment in his youth came when his father refused to give him a job at his newspaper, the Oregon Journal. Knight sought employment at the rival Oregonian, where he worked the morning shift tabulating sports scores and ran 7 miles home afterward.
Knight attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he ran track for the university’s renowned program. He was also a sports reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald and was part of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Knight earned his business degree (B.B.A.) in just three years in 1959. That same year, he received his Army Reserve Commission and graduated as a “Distinguished Military Graduate.”
Phil Knight Facts
Where does Phil Knight live? And how much money does Phil Knight earn?
| Birth Date | 24-2-1938 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in Hillsboro, Oregon. |
Phil Knight Net Worth, Salary
| Estimated Net Worth | 2,940 crores USD (2025) |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Carolyn Davidson & Steve Prefontaine |
Phil Knight: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Phil Knight | Penelope “Penny” Knight |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Matthew, Travis, Christina, Alexis |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Travis Knight (Son)
- Matthew Knight (Son)
- Christina Knight (Daughter)
- William W. Knight (Father)
- Lota Hatfield Knight (Mother)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool mysterious talented economist originating from Portland, Oregon has a thin body & square face type
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Light Blue |
| Height | 176 cm |
| Weight | 82 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Phil Knight smoke? | No, never |
| Does Phil Knight have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
Who is Phil Knight married to?
Phil Knight has been married to Penelope Parks since September 13, 1968.
What is Phil Knight’s personal best in the mile?
Phil Knight’s personal best in the mile is 4 minutes, 13 seconds.
What is Phil Knight’s role in Athletics West?
Phil Knight, along with Bill Bowerman and Geoff Hollister, co-founded Athletics West, an American running team, in 1977.
How did Phil Knight contribute to the University of Oregon?
Phil Knight graduated with a business degree from the University of Oregon and was an active participant in the track and field program. He also worked as a sports reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald.
What other notable projects has Phil Knight been involved in?
Apart from Nike, Phil Knight is known for producing Shoe Dog, The Big One (1997), and Bannister: Everest on the Track (2016).
What sports did Phil Knight participate in during his time at the University of Oregon?
Phil Knight was a middle-distance runner at the University of Oregon, where he earned varsity letters in 1957, 1958, and 1959.