Nike Logo History "The Swoosh, is the logo of American athletic shoe and clothing manufacturer Nike, Inc.. Today, it has become one of the most recognizable brand logos in the world, and the most profitable, having a worth of $26 billion alone. Harvard Business School professor, Stephen A. Greyser, has described the logo as "the living, vibrant symbol of the firm." Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight founded Nike on January 25, 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). Upon changing its name to Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971, the company adapted the Swoosh as its official logo the same year. Carolyn Davidson, a student at Portland State University, created the logo, attempting to convey motion in its design. It also symbolizes the wing of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, from which the company derived its current name."